Firefly Alpha ConnectedCosmos Launch 1: Sept 30, 2026

What is ConnectedCosmos Launch 1?

ConnectedCosmos Launch 1 is a satellite mission set to fly on a Firefly Alpha Block 2 rocket, launching no earlier than September 30, 2026 at 00:00 UTC from Space Launch Complex 2W at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Firefly Alpha is a two-stage, all-carbon-composite small-satellite launch vehicle built by Firefly Aerospace to deliver payloads to low Earth orbit.

The mission is a dedicated commercial ride to orbit for the ConnectedCosmos payload. The launch currently carries a TBD status, meaning the date and time remain subject to change pending vehicle readiness and range availability.

When is the launch?

The current target — known as the NET, or "no earlier than" date — is September 30, 2026, 00:00 UTC. Because the status is TBD, treat this as a placeholder that Firefly Aerospace is expected to firm up as the vehicle completes integration and testing. Small-launch schedules frequently shift by days or weeks, so confirming the window shortly before liftoff is essential.

What is the Firefly Alpha rocket?

Firefly Alpha stands roughly 29 meters (95 feet) tall and is designed to carry about 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit and around 745 kg to a 500 km sun-synchronous orbit, according to Firefly Aerospace. Both stages burn liquid oxygen and RP-1 kerosene, and the vehicle uses tap-off cycle engines — Firefly's four Reaver engines power the first stage and a single Lightning engine powers the upper stage.

The Block 2 designation refers to an upgraded version of the rocket aimed at improving performance and reliability over earlier Alpha flights. Firefly has positioned Alpha in the competitive dedicated small-launch market, offering responsive access to orbit for smallsat operators who need a tailored trajectory rather than sharing a rideshare.

Why launch from Vandenberg?

Space Launch Complex 2W on the California coast is Firefly's primary Alpha launch site and is ideal for missions heading to polar and sun-synchronous orbits. Launching southward over the Pacific Ocean lets rockets reach high-inclination orbits safely, which is why Vandenberg hosts a large share of Earth-observation and communications payloads. Explore other missions from the site on our Vandenberg launch schedule.

How to watch the launch live

Firefly Aerospace typically streams its Alpha launches via a live webcast beginning shortly before the opening of the launch window. The broadcast usually starts around 15–30 minutes ahead of liftoff and covers the countdown, ignition, stage separation and payload deployment.

To follow the countdown and see the rocket's trajectory in context, track the mission on Cosmik's real-time rocket launch tracker. Once the satellite reaches orbit, you can watch it circle the planet on our live 3D solar-system and satellite map.

What to expect on launch day

• T-0: First-stage ignition and liftoff from SLC-2W.
• Stage separation: The first stage shuts down and separates, and the Lightning upper-stage engine ignites.
• Orbit insertion: The upper stage carries the ConnectedCosmos payload to its target orbit.
• Deployment: The satellite separates from the upper stage to begin its mission.

Where does the data come from?

Launch details are sourced from public launch databases and Firefly Aerospace mission information, aggregated through The Space Devs Launch Library API. As with any TBD launch, dates evolve — check back for updates as the window is confirmed. For continuing coverage, see our latest launch news.

Background: Firefly Aerospace

Firefly Aerospace is a Texas-based launch and spacecraft company developing the Alpha rocket, the Blue Ghost lunar lander and other in-space vehicles. Alpha's debut flights have made Firefly one of a small group of private companies fielding operational orbital-class rockets. Learn more via Firefly Alpha on Wikipedia, Firefly Aerospace and Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Follow ConnectedCosmos Launch 1 live on Cosmik

Don't miss the moment ConnectedCosmos Launch 1 lifts off. Follow the countdown on Cosmik's launch tracker, enable free launch alerts so you're notified before liftoff, and watch the deployed satellite orbit Earth in real time on our 3D live map.