NASA selects Firefly Aerospace for NOAA QuickSounder mission launch
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 25, 2024
NASA has chosen Firefly Aerospace, Inc., based in Cedar Park, Texas, to provide launch services for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) QuickSounder mission.

This selection falls under NASA's Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) launch services contract. The VADR contract offers fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity awards over a five-year period, with a maximum value of $300 million across all contracts.

The QuickSounder mission will play a key role in supporting NOAA's future satellite architecture for its low Earth orbit program. This program is designed to deliver vital data for the National Weather Service, the broader weather industry, and users globally.

As the first satellite in NOAA's Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON), QuickSounder is a collaboration between NASA and NOAA. NEON represents a new strategy for building small to medium-sized satellites equipped with Earth-observing instruments. These satellites will focus on weather forecasting, disaster management, and climate monitoring. QuickSounder is expected to be launch-ready by February 2026.

NASA will oversee the satellite development and launch for NOAA, with NOAA taking the lead on funding, technical specifications, and post-launch operations. NASA and NOAA will also collaborate with commercial partners to design and construct the spacecraft and instruments for the NEON network.

Related Links
Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare
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