The Texas-based launch and in-space services provider reports that the Series D investment round was oversubscribed. The company is a self-styled “end-to-end space transportation company”. Its launch vehicles include Alpha (for payloads up to 1,030kg in LEO) and the more powerful MLV (up to 16,300kg).
The round was led by new investor for the company, RPM Ventures. Also taking part were new investors, such as GiantLeap Capital and Human Element, as well as existing backers.
Elytra and Alpha
Firefly, a portfolio company of AE Industrial Partners (“AEI”), describes itself as “focused on delivering responsive, reliable, and affordable space access for government and commercial customers”.
The capital raised will serve threefold aims. Firefly plans to develop its Elytra orbital vehicle, move to full rate production of its Alpha launch vehicle, and also accelerate hardware qualification for the new vehicles it has in development.
Blue Ghost
The company is poised to begin its inaugural Blue Ghost mission to the Moon as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Service initiative.
It will be working with Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, True Anomaly, NASA and NOAA while co-developing a Medium Launch Vehicle with Northrop Grumman.
In parallel, it highlights, Firefly is completing work for its first Elytra mission. This is a configurable spacecraft that provides on-orbit services and support for a deep space communication network.
Last year, it took part in the U.S. Space Force’s successful VICTUS NOX mission. This was demonstrating the ability to launch in a much shorter timeframe than typical national security space launches.
“Few companies can say they’ve defined a new category in their industry – Firefly is one of those,” said Marc Weiser from RPM Ventures.
“They have captured their niche in the market as a full service provider for responsive space missions and have become the pinnacle of what a modern space and defense technology company looks like.”
Responsive space
“This successful financing round solidifies Firefly as the undisputed leader in responsive space,” said Kirk Konert. He is Chairman of the Board at Firefly Aerospace.
“With relentless drive, cutting-edge innovation, and unstoppable passion, this team is rewriting the rules of what’s possible. [In 2025] we’re gearing up for a year that will redefine the industry and make history.”
The company was founded in 2017.
The Elytra spacecraft comes in three versions: Dawn, Dusk and Dark.
Image: Firefly Aerospace – Elytra Dark
See also: Firefly appoints former Blue Origin, SpaceX engineer as COO
