Firefly Alpha | 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 the QuickSounder satellite into polar orbit. This mission marks a pivotal step for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in modernizing its weather observation capabilities, blending innovative small satellite technology with proven instrumentation to enhance global forecasting.

At the heart of the mission is QuickSounder, the inaugural satellite in NOAA's Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON) program. Designed to eventually replace the aging Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) constellation, NEON emphasizes agile, cost-effective deployments of smaller satellites. QuickSounder's primary objective is to serve as a pathfinder, demonstrating NOAA's capacity to develop and launch a mission in under three years—a significant acceleration compared to traditional timelines. The payload features a refurbished Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) instrument, originally developed for JPSS satellites. This sensor excels in providing high-resolution atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, and cloud profiles across multiple microwave frequencies. By operating in polar orbit, QuickSounder will deliver critical real-time insights for weather prediction, climate monitoring, and disaster response, such as tracking hurricanes or atmospheric rivers. Its capabilities extend to supporting aviation safety and agricultural planning, underscoring the instrument's role in bridging data gaps left by retiring satellites.

The Firefly Alpha rocket, powering this endeavor, represents a new breed of small-lift launch vehicles optimized for affordability and responsiveness. Standing approximately 29 meters tall with a diameter of 1.8 meters, Alpha is a two-stage rocket fueled by liquid oxygen and RP-1 kerosene. Its first stage employs four Reaver engines, each producing about 736 kN of thrust, while the second stage uses a single Lightning engine for orbital insertion. With a payload capacity of up to 1,170 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO), Alpha is tailored for missions like QuickSounder, which weighs around 200 kg. Firefly's design incorporates advanced composites and 3D-printed components to reduce costs, enabling launches at roughly $15 million per flight—a fraction of heavier-lift alternatives.

Alpha's performance history has been a mix of challenges and triumphs, reflecting the iterative nature of emerging launch providers. Firefly's first Alpha flight in September 2021 ended in an anomaly due to a guidance system failure, but subsequent attempts showed rapid