Firefly Alpha Block 2 | QuickSounder

Firefly Alpha Set to Launch NOAA's QuickSounder Satellite in 2026

On September 30, 2026, Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket is scheduled to lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carrying NOAA's QuickSounder satellite into polar orbit. This mission marks a pivotal step in modernizing weather observation capabilities, blending innovative satellite technology with agile launch strategies.

At the heart of the QuickSounder mission is its role as the inaugural satellite in NOAA's Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON) program. NEON seeks to overhaul the aging Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), which has provided critical data for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster response since the early 2010s. QuickSounder serves as a pathfinder, demonstrating NOAA's ambitious goal of deploying small satellites from concept to orbit in just three years—a stark contrast to the decade-long timelines of traditional programs. The payload centers on a refurbished Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) instrument, originally designed for JPSS missions. This sensor excels in measuring atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles, even through clouds, enabling precise data collection for global weather models. By reusing existing hardware, QuickSounder reduces costs and accelerates deployment, while its small-satellite architecture allows for rapid iterations and easier integration with commercial launch providers. The mission's objectives include validating this streamlined approach, gathering real-time polar orbit data to support forecasts, and paving the way for a constellation of NEON satellites that could enhance resolution and refresh rates for phenomena like hurricanes and atmospheric rivers.

The Firefly Alpha rocket, powering this endeavor, represents a new breed of responsive launch vehicles tailored for the smallsat market. Standing at 29 meters tall with a diameter of 1.8 meters, Alpha is a two-stage expendable launcher using liquid oxygen and RP-1 kerosene propellants. Its first stage employs four Reaver engines, each producing about 736 kN of thrust, while the second stage relies on a single Lightning engine for orbital insertion. Capable of delivering up to 1,170 kg to low Earth orbit or 745 kg to sun-synchronous orbit, Alpha emphasizes cost-efficiency at around $15 million per launch. Technical innovations include carbon composite structures for weight reduction and an autogenous pressurization system that minimizes helium use, enhancing reliability. Firefly's design philosophy prioritizes rapid reusability of components and modular assembly, allowing for quick turnaround times between missions.

Alpha's performance history has been a mix of challenges and