Firefly Aerospace INCUS Firefly Alpha Block 2
Trajectory
Trajectory profiles are typically finalized by the range a week prior to launch. Check back here for the trajectory and launch visibility map as the launch window approaches.
About the INCUS Mission
- Type: Earth Science
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
- Launch Cost: $15,000,000
The Investigation of Convective Updrafts (INCUS) is a NASA Earth science mission led by Colorado State University that will investigate the behavior of tropical storms in order to better represent these storms in weather and climate models. It consists of 3 SmallSats flying in tight coordination to study why convective storms, heavy precipitation, and clouds occur exactly when and where they form.
Each satellite will have a high frequency precipitation radar that observes rapid changes in convective cloud depth and intensities. 1 of the 3 satellites also will carry a microwave radiometer to provide the spatial content of the larger scale weather observed by the radars. By flying so closely together, the satellites will use the slight differences in when they make observations to apply a novel time-differencing approach to estimate the vertical transport of convective mass.
Launch Pad & Location
Launch Area 0 A
Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA
The Launch Area 0 A launch pad has hosted 19 rocket launches, including 19 orbital launch attempts. The Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA launch site has been the location for 86 total rocket launches.
Wallops Flight Facility is a rocket launch site on Wallops Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, United States, just east of the Delmarva Peninsula and north-northeast of Norfolk. The facility is operated by the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and primarily serves to support science and exploration missions for NASA and other federal agencies. WFF includes an extensively instrumented range to support launches of more than a dozen types of sounding rockets; small expendable suborbital and orbital rockets; high-altitude balloon flights carrying scientific instruments for atmospheric and astronomical research; and, using its Research Airport, flight tests of aeronautical research aircraft, including uncrewed aerial vehicles.
Firefly Aerospace Firefly Alpha Block 2 Rocket
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.
The Block 2 version features increased length and structural strength for both stages, optimized propellant tanks and consolidated in-house batteries and avionics.
Learn more about the Firefly Aerospace Firefly Alpha Block 2 Rocket
About Firefly Aerospace
Firefly Aerospace is an American private aerospace firm based in Austin, Texas, that develops small and medium-sized launch vehicles for commercial launches to orbit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Firefly Aerospace Firefly Alpha Block 2 INCUS launch scheduled?
The Firefly Aerospace Firefly Alpha Block 2 INCUS launch is currently scheduled for:
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Launch times are subject to change based on weather conditions, technical readiness, and range availability. Check back regularly for the most up-to-date launch time and status updates.
Where is the Firefly Aerospace Firefly Alpha Block 2 INCUS mission launching from?
The Firefly Aerospace Firefly Alpha Block 2 rocket will launch from Launch Area 0 A at Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA. Wallops Flight Facility is a rocket launch site on Wallops Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, United States, just east of the Delmarva Peninsula and north-northeast of Norfolk. The facility is operated by the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and primarily serves to support science and exploration missions for NASA and other federal agencies. WFF includes an extensively instrumented range to support launches of more than a dozen types of sounding rockets; small expendable suborbital and orbital rockets; high-altitude balloon flights carrying scientific instruments for atmospheric and astronomical research; and, using its Research Airport, flight tests of aeronautical research aircraft, including uncrewed aerial vehicles. For viewing location recommendations and tips, check the launch location details above.
What rocket is being used for the INCUS mission?
The INCUS mission will launch aboard a Firefly Aerospace Firefly Alpha Block 2 rocket. 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. <br> <br>The Block 2 version features increased length and structural strength for both stages, optimized propellant tanks and consolidated in-house batteries and avionics. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could delay the Firefly Aerospace Firefly Alpha Block 2 INCUS launch?
The Firefly Aerospace Firefly Alpha Block 2 INCUS launch can be delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites. Check the launch weather forecast above for current conditions and probability of favorable weather.
How can I get updates if the Firefly Aerospace Firefly Alpha Block 2 INCUS launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest Firefly Aerospace Firefly Alpha Block 2 launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the INCUS mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official Firefly Aerospace live streams for the most immediate range updates.