- Firefly Aerospace and Millennium Space Systems have entered a hot standby phase for the VICTUS NOX mission, a Tactically Responsive Space mission led by the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command.
- The mission aims to demonstrate rapid launch capabilities, with a 24-hour window for final operations and launch, and a 48-hour window for payload initialization in low Earth orbit.
VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif, August 30, 2023 – In a groundbreaking move that could redefine the future of space missions, Firefly Aerospace, Inc., an end-to-end space transportation company, and Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company (NYSE: BA), have entered the hot standby phase for VICTUS NOX. This Tactically Responsive Space mission is led by Space Systems Command’s (SSC) Space Safari Program Office.
A New Standard in Rapid Response
“Challenging missions like this is where Firefly excels, and we are extremely humbled and proud to provide the U.S. Space Force and the nation with the critical capability to launch on-demand in support of national security,” said Bill Weber, CEO of Firefly Aerospace.
The mission partners are now on a 24-hour alert for the callup and orbit requirements to complete final operations and launch at the first available window. This marks a significant departure from traditional space missions, which often require weeks to months for nominal launch operations.
The 60-Hour Countdown
During the hot standby phase, Millennium and Firefly will await an activation alert from the U.S. Space Force. Upon receiving the alert, the mission team will have a 60-hour window to transport the payload to Vandenberg Space Force Base, conduct fueling operations, and integrate it with Firefly’s Alpha payload adaptor.
Ready for Launch
Space Force officials will then issue Firefly a launch notice with the final orbit requirements. The team will have 24 hours to update the trajectory and guidance software, encapsulate the payload, and transport it to the pad. “What we’re doing with VICTUS NOX has never been done before,” said Jason Kim, CEO of Millennium Space Systems.
Into the Orbit and Beyond
Once the payload is deployed in low Earth orbit, Millennium will attempt to fully initialize the space vehicle in less than 48 hours and then begin operations for its Space Domain Awareness (SDA) mission.
Preserving National Dominance in Space
“The U.S.’s ability to rapidly respond to on-orbit needs is critical to our national defense,” said Lt. Col. MacKenzie Birchenough, Materiel Leader for Space Safari. The mission exemplifies the U.S.’s commitment to maintaining its strategic advantage in space.
