Firefly Aerospace Gains Access to NASA Payload Processing Work at Vandenberg

Key Points

• Firefly is one of four companies selected through NASA’s contract on-ramp process.
• The contract has a combined ceiling value of $100 million and runs through February 1, 2033.
• Firefly can now bid on NASA task orders for payload storage, fueling, testing, integration, encapsulation, and other prelaunch services at Vandenberg.
• The award does not guarantee revenue, task orders, or a specific portion of the $100 million contract ceiling.
• Firefly will use its existing Payload Processing Facility near Space Launch Complex 2, where the company operates its Alpha launch vehicle.

 Firefly Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: FLY) has joined NASA’s Spacecraft Processing Operations Contract, allowing the company to compete for task orders supporting payload preparation and spacecraft-processing work at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The award expands Firefly’s potential role in NASA missions beyond launch services by adding prelaunch ground-support capabilities.

 NASA Expands Its Prelaunch Services Network

NASA uses the Spacecraft Processing Operations Contract to obtain facilities and services needed to prepare spacecraft and launch hardware before missions move to the launch pad. The agency added Firefly Aerospace, All Points Logistics LLC, Blue Origin LLC, and L3Harris Technologies Inc. (NYSE: LHX) to expand available processing options at launch locations not covered when the original contract was awarded.

The contract is a multiple-award, commercial, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity vehicle. In practical terms, NASA can issue task orders for specific services as mission needs arise, but it is not obligated to use any particular provider or spend the full $100 million ceiling.

Firefly Facility Supports NASA Missions at Vandenberg

Firefly plans to support NASA work from its Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The site sits less than half a mile from Space Launch Complex 2, which supports Firefly’s Alpha rocket launches.

The facility can handle small- and medium-sized spacecraft and payloads. Its capabilities include secure storage, fueling, testing, integration, and encapsulation before launch. Firefly said the facility includes a storage area, control room, workspace, airlock, and ISO 8 cleanroom.