FIREFLY AEROSPACE

Firefly Alpha | Stairway to Seven

SUCCESSMar 12, 2026 at 00:50 UTCFirefly Alpha →
PADSpace Launch Complex 2W
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →
ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPETest Flight

Firefly Alpha’s Flight 7 is a test flight and return-To-Flight for the launch vehicle after its April 2025 launch failure. It will test and validate key systems ahead of Firefly’s Block II configuration upgrade on Flight 8 that’s designed to enhance reliability and manufacturability across the vehicle.

Flight 7 is the last flown in Alpha’s current configuration and will test multiple Block II subsystems, including the in-house avionics and thermal improvements, to gain flight heritage and validate lessons learned ahead of the full configuration upgrade on Flight 8.

This launch also delivered a demonstrator payload for Lockheed Martin.

MISSION
Stairway to Seven
MISSION TYPE
Test Flight
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
COUNTRY
USA
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Half-year
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 3f6de963-7197-48aa-a49f-6c944cbf85e9
Reported date: Mar 12, 2026 at 00:50 UTC
Last synced: 12 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
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MANUFACTURER
Firefly Aerospace
FLIGHTS
7
SUCCESSES
4
SUCCESS RATE
57.1%

Firefly Alpha (Firefly α) is a two-stage orbital expendable launch vehicle developed by the American aerospace company Firefly Aerospace to cover the commercial small satellite launch market. Alpha is intended to provide launch options for both full vehicle and ride share customers.

When is the Firefly Alpha | Stairway to Seven launch?
The Firefly Alpha | Stairway to Seven is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 12:50 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Stairway to Seven?
The Firefly Alpha | Stairway to Seven mission uses the Firefly Alpha rocket, manufactured by Firefly Aerospace. The Firefly Alpha has flown 7 times with a 57.1% success rate.
Where is the Firefly Alpha | Stairway to Seven launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 2W at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is Stairway to Seven going to?
The Stairway to Seven mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Stairway to Seven?
The Firefly Alpha | Stairway to Seven is operated by Firefly Aerospace.
Can I watch the Firefly Alpha | Stairway to Seven launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
Mar 28, 2026 23:46 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Mar 22, 2026 17:25 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 22, 2026 17:25 UTC
Launch date set: Mar 12, 2026 at 00:50 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Firefly Aerospace
Last data sync: 12 hours ago
Launch Library 212 hours ago
Launch ID: 3f6de963-7197-48aa-a49f-6c944cbf85e9
Open-Meteo Weather13 hours ago
Pad weather at 34.76, -120.62