Firefly Aerospace and Northrop Grumman are making great progress in developing a new medium-lift rocket that will feature a recoverable booster for reuse. Firefly CEO, Bill Weber, emphasized the importance of rocket reusability for economic advantages and competitive pricing for customers. This medium-class rocket, known as the Medium Launch Vehicle (MLV), is part of a growing trend in the aerospace industry where companies like Rocket Lab and Relativity Space are also working on reusable rockets to compete with SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
The MLV will be designed for return to launch site propulsive landing, similar to the approach used by SpaceX with its Falcon 9 rockets. This method allows for boosters to return to the launch site for refurbishment after separation from the upper stage. While some companies opt for downrange landings on barges at sea, Firefly is focusing on returning boosters to the launch site to streamline the refurbishment process and reduce costs.
Testing of the MLV’s booster recovery technology will begin with the rocket’s first flight, which will include control thrusters to demonstrate the first stage’s flip maneuver for return. Firefly aims to recover and reuse a full MLV booster by around the sixth flight of the rocket. To support propulsive landings, Firefly is designing Miranda engines capable of multiple burns on a single flight and testing composite structures for durability through multiple launches and reentries into the atmosphere.
Weber highlighted the importance of reusability in achieving a sustainable launch cadence, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility in rocket launches. The focus on reusability not only benefits the company economically but also contributes to a more sustainable approach to space exploration. Firefly’s commitment to developing a reusable rocket reflects a broader industry trend towards more efficient and environmentally friendly launch practices. By incorporating reusability into its rocket design, Firefly is positioning itself as a competitive player in the medium-class rocket market and a potential provider for national security missions in the future.
