Firefly Aerospace Extends Lockheed Martin Launch Deal to 2031

Firefly Aerospace has secured a two-year extension to its multi-launch agreement with Lockheed Martin, committing up to 25 dedicated missions through 2031 using the upgraded Alpha Block II rocket.

Announced in a press release on August 11, 2026, from the company’s Cedar Park, Texas headquarters, the extension builds upon an initial agreement signed on June 5, 2024. The updated contracts transitions Lockheed Martin’s payloads to Firefly’s Alpha Block II configuration, targeting the 1,000 kg payload class to address growing demand for medium-term launch capacity.

Transitioning to the Alpha Block II configuration

The core of the extended agreement centers on the operational transition to the Alpha Block II launch vehicle. Firefly designed this upgraded configuration to support higher production rates and improve overall reliability for tactically responsive space missions, hypersonic testing, and commercial satellite deployments.

Firefly Aerospace CEO Jason Kim stated that the extension reflects the company’s continued support for Lockheed Martin’s critical missions, which will now rely on the next evolution of their launch capabilities.

“As we upgrade to Alpha Block II, we’re increasing the manufacturability, reliability, and responsiveness of our rockets to support a higher flight rate and provide assured access to space when our customers need it most,” Kim said. “This upgraded configuration allows us to increase Alpha’s production rate and fills a void at a time when launch options are in high demand, but payload capacity is scarce and launch site diversity is limited.”

The 1,000 kg payload class positions the Alpha Block II to serve both domestic and international customers requiring dedicated orbital access, bypassing the rideshare models that often dictate scheduling for smaller payloads.

Developing offshore launch infrastructure

Alongside the contract extension, Firefly Aerospace introduced a new tripartite collaboration involving Lockheed Martin and Seagate Space. The companies will jointly develop sea-based launch capabilities utilizing Seagate’s Gateway offshore launch platform.

This initiative aims to increase launch site diversity, a critical factor as traditional spaceports face congestion and scheduling bottlenecks. The partnerships will focus on mission-application concepts and flight-demonstration projects to validate the feasibility of offshore operations for the Alpha Block II vehicle.

AirPro News analysis

We view this contract extension as a significant validation of Firefly’s Alpha Block II development program. By securing Lockheed Martin’s commitment through 2031, Firefly gains a stable revenue baseline to justify scaling its manufacturing operations. The inclusion of Seagate Space for offshore launch development is particularly notable. As terrestrial spaceports experience unprecedented launch cadences, developing independent, sea-based infrastructure could provide Firefly and Lockheed Martin with a distinct scheduling advantage for tactically responsive missions, insulating them from range availability constraints.

Sources: Firefly Aerospace (August 2026)