[Launch Alert] Alpha Rocket Launched

[Launch Alert]

The following is a news release from Vandenberg Space Force Base:

FIREFLY SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES ALPHA FLIGHT 002 “TO THE BLACK”
Space Launch Delta 30 Public Affairs

Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. -- Team Vandenberg launched multiple satellites to low Earth orbit aboard Firefly’s Alpha vehicle from Vandenberg’s Space Launch Complex-2, Oct. 1, at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.

Col. Robert Long, Space Launch Delta commander, was the launch decision authority.

“Early this morning the Western Range helped make possible a historical small vehicle demonstration launch into low Earth orbit,” said Col. Robert Long, Space Launch Delta 30 commander. “Once again, our outstanding Airmen and Guardian professionals continue to showcase flawless execution and teamwork alongside Firefly. We are proud of their accomplishment and look forward to future launches.”

The Alpha is an economical small satellite launch vehicle. Firefly had three educational payloads aboard and successfully inserted into an elliptical transfer orbit, coast to apogee, and performed a circularization burn.