Companies Ink Agreement to Help Bring New
Tech to Orbit Faster and Increase Access to Space
DENVER, June 5, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) signed an agreement
with Firefly Aerospace, Inc., for up to 25 launches on the
company's Alpha rocket through 2029.
Under this agreement, Firefly will routinely launch a variety of
future Lockheed Martin spacecraft, including new payload
technologies, into low-Earth orbit from Firefly's facilities on the
west and east coasts.
Lockheed Martin benefits from Firefly's lower-cost launch
vehicle, which helps reduce risk for the company's self-funded
technology demonstration missions and paves the way for future
efforts. The agreement also creates the benefits of a
long-term partnership between the two companies and allows for a
steady manifest supporting continued growth and technology
investment.
"Our goal is to accelerate the delivery of new technology
solutions that are flight proven and ready to carry out our
customers' critical space missions. Diversifying our options for
launch services ensures our ability to prove out technologies we're
developing on orbit," said Bob Behnken, director, Ignite
Technology Acceleration at Lockheed Martin Space. "This agreement
with Firefly solidifies our strategic partnership and will help us
continue to deliver new advanced capabilities that keep our armed
forces and allies ahead of ready."
"Firefly appreciates Lockheed Martin's confidence in our rapid
launch capability and support to drive critical missions for years
to come," said Bill Weber, CEO of
Firefly Aerospace. "The Firefly team has scaled up Alpha production
and testing, and significantly streamlined our launch operations to
fly Alpha more frequently and responsively – enabling us to
continue delivering the one metric ton rocket the industry
demands."
Lockheed Martin is developing payload technologies through
internal investment to support a variety of mission areas, such as
earth observation, global ubiquitous communications, climate
monitoring and beyond.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global
defense technology company driving innovation and advancing
scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st
Century Security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative
technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready.
More information at Lockheedmartin.com.
Please follow @LMNews on X for the latest
announcements and news across the corporation, and @LMSpace to
learn more about the latest technologies, missions and people
driving the future of space.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin