Firefly Aerospace acquires Spaceflight Inc. to expand on-orbit solutions

Firefly Aerospace, a provider of low-cost space transportation services, has announced its acquisition of Spaceflight Inc., a company specializing in payload deliveries, hosting, and transfer services.

This strategic acquisition enhances Firefly’s capabilities in on-orbit solutions and strengthens its ability to service the complete lifecycle of customers’ satellites and spacecraft.

The acquisition aligns with Firefly’s commitment to providing comprehensive space transportation services at an affordable cost. With a focus on responsive launch, in-space mobility, on-orbit hosting and servicing, and lunar delivery operations, Firefly aims to offer a robust portfolio of services to meet the evolving needs of the space industry.

Spaceflight brings extensive expertise in mission management and a proven track record of deploying over 460 payloads into space. The company operates manufacturing and payload processing facilities in Bellevue, Washington, equipped with state-of-the-art clean rooms, environmental testing capabilities, and large high bays for concurrent spacecraft production.

By integrating Spaceflight’s capabilities, Firefly enhances its vertically integrated product line, which includes launch vehicles, lunar landers, and in-space vehicles. Firefly’s Alpha launch vehicle is already manifested through 2023 with customers such as the U.S. Space Force, NASA, and commercial partners.

Firefly Aerospace bolsters on-orbit solutions with acquisition of Spaceflight Inc. Image courtesy of fireflyspace.com.

In collaboration with Northrop Grumman, Firefly is also developing a new medium launch vehicle. Additionally, Firefly’s Blue Ghost lunar lander is scheduled to conduct missions to the Moon next year with NASA as the anchor customer, while the Space Utility Vehicle will demonstrate its on-orbit capabilities in an upcoming mission.

The terms of the transaction between Firefly Aerospace and Spaceflight Inc. were not disclosed. However, this acquisition further solidifies Firefly’s position in the space industry and supports its commitment to delivering innovative and cost-effective solutions to customers.

Firefly Aerospace is a portfolio company of AE Industrial Partners (AEI), a U.S.-based private equity firm specializing in various sectors, including aerospace, defense and government services, space, power and utility services, and specialty industrial markets.

The acquisition of Spaceflight Inc. enhances Firefly’s position as a leading player in the space transportation industry and reinforces its ability to provide end-to-end solutions for customers’ satellite and spacecraft needs.

Bill Weber — Firefly Aerospace CEO said: “This acquisition is the result of Firefly’s business plan to strengthen the company through organic growth in addition to accelerating its capabilities with strategic acquisitions.

“The combination of Spaceflight’s on-orbit experience with Firefly’s launch vehicles, Blue Ghost landers, and Space Utility Vehicles is an overnight game changer for our customers and investors.”