Hello and welcome back to Max Q!
In this issue:
- Firefly Aerospace conquered the night
- News from Varda Space and more
Firefly Aerospace successfully launched a satellite for the US Space Force with just 24 hours notice, in a record-setting demonstration of rapid launch capabilities for national security missions.
The company launched the Victus Nox mission in the first available window, with Alpha leaving the pad just 27 hours after receiving the launch notification.

Image Credits: Firefly Aerospace (opens in a new window)
More news from around TC
- The Exploration Company signed a cargo delivery agreement with private space station developer Axiom Space, as well as a launch agreement with the Indian Space Research Organization.
- Open Cosmosa satellite startup based in the UK, has raised $50 million, a standout figure given the current climate for investment.
- Rocket Lab turned Virgin Orbit’s old HQ and manufacturing complex into a rocket engine development center.
- Techstars has selected 12 new companies to join its space accelerator’s fall cohort, with startups working on everything from launch to in-space servicing.
- Varda Space denied a reentry request by the US Air Force earlier this month, pushing back the company’s timeline for returning to its first in-space manufacturing demonstration.

Image Credits: The Exploration Company (opens in a new window)
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