VCLS Demo-2FB (ELaNa 43)

Alpha JULY 4 2024 04:04AM

Firefly was selected by NASA to provide launches services as part of our Venture Class Launch Services Demonstration 2 (VCLS Demo 2) contract. These launches can tolerate a higher level of risk than larger missions, and they help demonstrate the capabilities of launch vehicles like Alpha that support a new launch class and provide more access to space for small satellites and spacecraft.

Last updated: Jul 17, 2024

Launch Information

Launch Information
Launch Vehicle Details
Mission Name	VCLS Demo-2FB (ELaNa 43)
Launch Site	SLC-2W, Vandenberg SFB, California, United States
Launch Vehicle	Alpha
Agency	Firefly Aerospace
Launch Date	JULY 4 2024

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CatSat is a 6U CubeSat being built and tested by University of Arizona students, faculty, and staff. The satellite will launch atop a Firefly Alpha rocket into a nearly sun-synchronous orbit around the Earth. Thanks to some trickery on behalf of orbital mechanics, this peculiar orbit ensures that the satellite will constantly remain in daylight, maximizing the capabilities of the mission.

Launch Vehicle - Alpha

Height	29 m (95 ft)
Diameter	1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Mass	54000 Kg (119000 lb)
Stages	2
Payload To LEO	1030 Kg (2270 lb)
Payload To SSO	630 Kg (1390 lb)
Fairing Diameter	2.2 m 7.2 ft
Thrust	736 kN
Sun Synchronous Capacity	630 Kg
Propellant	RP-1 / LOX
Propellant Feed	Turbopump
Engine	2

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