Firefly Aerospace Awarded Contract for U.S. Space Force VICTUS SOL Mission

Firefly Aerospace Awarded Contract for U.S. Space Force VICTUS SOL Mission
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 20, 2025

Firefly Aerospace, Inc., a leading provider of rapid-response space launch services, has secured a $21.81 million contract to launch the U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command's (SSC) VICTUS SOL Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) mission. The initiative is designed to enhance the nation's capability to address urgent on-orbit requirements and provide operational flexibility for Combatant Commanders.

The VICTUS SOL contract was awarded under the Orbital Services Program (OSP)-4 Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, managed by the Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP) within SSC's Assured Access to Space Program Executive Office (PEO). The Space Safari Office, which leads USSF's TacRS efforts, is responsible for managing the VICTUS SOL mission end-to-end.

"With VICTUS SOL, Firefly is humbled and proud to continue serving the Space Force on tactically responsive space with two follow-on missions after VICTUS NOX," said Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. "As our country's deterrence and responsive space needs grow exponentially, Firefly has ramped up our Alpha production line to meet that demand and provide flexibility to support the Space Force's urgent needs that keep us ahead of the game."

Building on insights gained from previous VICTUS NOX and VICTUS HAZE missions, Firefly will maintain an Alpha rocket in standby readiness for the Space Force while continuing to execute other government and commercial missions. At an undetermined time, the Space Force will issue Firefly a launch order to deploy a space vehicle.

"The VICTUS SOL launch will provide the operational capability to have a launch vehicle and space vehicle on standby while we continue to launch other commercial and government missions until we're called up by the Space Force," said Kim. "We're further improving our readiness to provide a rapid response capability."

VICTUS SOL marks the third mission Firefly will conduct for the U.S. Space Force using its Alpha launch vehicle. In September 2023, Firefly successfully executed the VICTUS NOX mission within a 24-hour launch notice, setting an industry precedent. Later this year, Firefly will also support the VICTUS HAZE mission in collaboration with True Anomaly, ensuring readiness for another TacRS launch.

Firefly's capability for on-demand launch and space operations is strengthened by its vertically integrated manufacturing and testing facilities. The Alpha rocket, recognized as the only operational launch vehicle in the one-metric-ton class, offers high mass-to-orbit performance, providing cost-effective, rapid launch solutions tailored to customer needs.