Firefly Alpha Block 2 — mission imagery
Back to launches
TBD

TacSat

Firefly Alpha Block 2Firefly AerospaceSpace Launch Complex 2W
Thursday, December 31, 2026 · 12:00 AM UTCAdd to Calendar

NextMission AnnouncedT-720:00:00

Time to launch

00
DAYS
00
HRS
00
MIN
00
SEC
Launch Window Confidence
46% — Uncertain

Vehicle

Firefly Alpha Block 2

Profile →

Firefly Alpha (Firefly α) is a two-stage orbital expendable launch vehicle developed by the American aerospace company Firefly Aerospace to cover the commercial small satellite launch m...

Height31.6 m
LEO Payload1,030 kg
Launches11
Successes4

Provider

Firefly Aerospace

Profile →

USA • Founded 2014

Firefly Aerospace is an American private aerospace firm based in Austin, Texas, that develops small and medium-sized launch vehicles for commercial launches to orbit.

Mission Brief

First of up to 25 launches of Low Earth Orbit technology demonstration satellites to be built and operated by Lockheed Martin. TacSat is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance spacecraft with a mission to prove specialized sensing and communications capabilities on orbit. The satellite will participate in exercises that highlight cross-domain kill-web connectivity, enabling timely execution of tactical space missions. TacSat will host a proven Lockheed Martin infrared sensor on board that brings previously developed technology to space for the first time. This sensor produces high quality imagery and it can interface with federated Battle Management Command & Control (BMC2) combat systems to provide joint forces with a comprehensive view of threats. The satellite will also feature Lockheed Martin’s first 5G.MIL® payload on orbit. This provides cellular-like networking for military space assets, making satellite constellations more resilient. It also helps enable seamless connectivity with tools in the air, at sea and on land. Launch operation will also again demonstrate responsive space pre-launch operation capabilities.

PayloadTacSat
OrbitLow Earth Orbit
CustomerFirefly Aerospace
Stages2
PadSpace Launch Complex 2W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA

Mission Timeline

0 / 140%
Up next · Pre-launch

Mission Announced

Official mission announcement and payload assignment

T-720:00:00
12:00 AM UTC
  • Mission AnnouncedT-720:00:00
  • Vehicle RolloutT-48:00:00
  • Wet Dress RehearsalT-24:00:00
  • Launch Day PrepT-06:00:00
Site lock

Launch Site

Space Launch Complex 2W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA

LAUNCH SITE
34.756°N, 120.622°W

Schedule History

No delays or schedule changes recorded.