UPDATE: Firefly's Alpha Rocket launch was scrubbed early Friday morning.
Just after 1:15 a.m., the Firefly Alpha rocket automatically canceled moments before lift-off. This marks the fourth scrubbed launch attempt.
According to the aerospace company's website, the backup launch window is Saturday, October 1 from 12:01 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Firefly Aerospace tweeted right after launch failure that the automatic system shutdowns a take-off if there are safety concerns.
🚀Update: The vehicle went into auto abort after ignition. This is designed into the system to ensure safety. The team scrubbed tonight's launch attempt and is reviewing data to determine our next launch window.
— Firefly Aerospace (@Firefly_Space) September 30, 2022
ORIGINAL:
Firefly Aerospace is set to test launch their Alpha Rocket at the Vandenberg Space Force Base Friday midnight after scrubbing three launch attempts earlier in Sept.
The two-hour launch window is scheduled for Friday at 12:01 a.m.
🚀 All systems go for launch. Launch window opens just after Midnight PDT from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Continue to follow us on Twitter for real-time updates. Broadcast with host @Erdayastronaut starts at T-90 mins. Link to broadcast below: https://t.co/7medCty9n4
— Firefly Aerospace (@Firefly_Space) September 29, 2022
The original launch was scrubbed on Sept. 11 because of a drop in the rocket's Helium pressure.
The launch was then canceledtwice, on Sept 12 and 19, due to the weather condition.
This will be the second time Firely launches its Alpha Rocket.
Last September, the company launched an Alpha Rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, but it exploded shortly after takeoff.
Firefly reported that the rocket had experienced an anomaly during the first stage ascent.
