Connect with us

World News

Firefly debuts Elytra orbital transfer vehicle line, with first mission planned for 2024 on August 8, 2023 at 7:07 pm

Published

on

Firefly Aerospace debuted a line of orbital vehicles called Elytra on Tuesday, as it looks to become an end-to-end mission services provider for commercial and government customers. The first Elytra will fly on a Firefly Alpha rocket in 2024, part of a rapid-response mission contract with Texas-based startup Xtenti for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

The Elytra vehicles had previously been called “space utility vehicles.” Originally, Firefly said it would develop two SUVs, a smaller SUV Light and a considerably larger and more capable SUV Lux. Now, the company says it will offer three vehicles – Elytra Dawn, Elytra Dusk, and Elytra Dark – that will be compatible with Firefly’s Alpha small-launch vehicle and a medium-lift launch vehicle that’s still under development.

“Elytra further expands Firefly’s on-orbit services by opening access to more orbits, extending the life of each mission, and providing deorbiting services to help minimize space debris,” Firefly CEO Bill Weber said in a statement. “Our robust vehicle line gives us a unique advantage to quickly launch, deploy, and service satellites on-orbit in response to dynamic changes in space.”

Elytra Dawn is optimized for low Earth orbit (LEO) missions; Elytra Dusk can operate from LEO to geosynchronous (GEO) orbit; while Elytra Dark is the most rugged of the line-up, designed “to serve as persistent orbital infrastructure” and to support transfers to deep space.

Advertisement

The first Elytra Dusk will launch next year as part of an agreement with space logistics company Xtenti, who will use its small satellite dispenser with the orbital vehicle. That mission, which will launch next year, is part of a contract with the NRO to demonstrate the dispenser’s rapid response capabilities on-orbit.

After launching on Alpha, Elytra will use the “Flight Agnostic Non-interfering, Tunable Mass Rideshare Dispenser Equipment” (Fantm-Ride) dispenser to deploy commercial payloads in sun synchronous orbit; then, the vehicle will perform an on-orbit maneuver and wait, essentially, until the NRO tells it to deploy its government payloads.

Defense agencies have issued a handful of contracts for “rapid response” space capabilities, like the ability to launch a rocket in short notice or deploy satellites in-orbit at the drop of a hat. While this mission with Xtenti is designed to show the latter, Firefly is also looking to demonstrate the former: last year, the company won a contract with the U.S. Space Force to use Alpha to launch a satellite into orbit with just 24-hours notice.

​ Firefly Aerospace debuted a line of orbital vehicles called Elytra on Tuesday, as it looks to become an end-to-end mission services provider for commercial and government customers. The first Elytra will fly on a Firefly Alpha rocket in 2024, part of a rapid-response mission contract with Texas-based startup Xtenti for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). 

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Terror Attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas Linked

Published

on

The start of 2025 has been marred by two horrific terror attacks in the United States, one in New Orleans and another in Las Vegas, both occurring on New Year’s Day. These incidents have left communities reeling and have raised concerns about potential connections between the suspects involved.

In New Orleans, a truck driven by 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar plowed into a crowd celebrating on Bourbon Street, resulting in at least 15 deaths and over 30 injuries. Eyewitnesses reported that Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran from Texas, deliberately targeted pedestrians while flying an ISIS flag from his vehicle. Following the attack, he exited the truck armed with an assault rifle and opened fire on police officers before being killed in the ensuing confrontation. Authorities discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) within his vehicle and in the vicinity of the attack site, further confirming the premeditated nature of this act of terrorism.

Advertisement

Simultaneously, a separate incident unfolded in Las Vegas when a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel. The driver, identified as Matthew Livelsberger, also had a military background and was reported to have detonated the vehicle packed with firework mortars and fuel, resulting in his death and injuring seven others. Investigators are exploring whether Livelsberger and Jabbar had any prior connection, as both men served at the same military base at different times.

While the FBI has confirmed that they are investigating both attacks as acts of terrorism, they have not established a definitive link between the two incidents. However, similarities in their execution—both suspects rented vehicles from the same company—have prompted further scrutiny into their backgrounds and any potential accomplices.

As investigations continue, authorities are urging anyone with information about either suspect to come forward. The tragic events have sparked discussions about security measures in public spaces, particularly as cities prepare for large gatherings in the coming months.

Your support keeps us going!
Every purchase helps us do what we love. Thank you!

Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters, filmmakers and actors. Our services now include acting classes. Additionally, we are introducing film reviews by experienced critics and professional press article writing covering industry news and trends. Whether you’re looking to craft compelling stories, enhance your acting skills, or gain insights into the film industry, our resources will equip you to thrive in this competitive field. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and bring your artistic vision to life!

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Politics

Donald Trump Named TIME’s 2024 Person of the Year

Published

on

Donald Trump has been selected as TIME magazine’s Person of the Year for 2024, marking his second time receiving this distinction. The former president, who won a historic comeback victory in the 2024 election, was chosen for his significant impact on global affairs and American politics.

TIME editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs explained the decision, citing Trump’s “comeback of historic proportions,” his role in driving “a once-in-a-generation political realignment,” and his reshaping of both the American presidency and the country’s global role. This recognition comes after Trump’s unprecedented achievement of reclaiming the White House after losing reelection four years earlier.

The selection process involved an extensive interview with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in November, covering a wide range of topics including the economy, foreign policy, and his plans for a second term. Notably, TIME took the unprecedented step of publishing a comprehensive fact-check alongside the interview transcript, examining 15 distinct assertions made by Trump.

Trump’s relationship with TIME has been tumultuous over the years. While he expressed honor at receiving the title in 2016, he has also criticized the magazine’s selections and even claimed he refused a potential Person of the Year offer in 2017. Despite this, Trump participated in the process this year, granting TIME access for an in-depth interview.

To commemorate the announcement, Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This event marked a significant moment in Trump’s career, as it was his first time participating in this Wall Street tradition.

Trump’s selection as Person of the Year reflects his continued influence on American politics and his ability to reshape the political landscape. As the country prepares for his return to the White House, all eyes will be on how Trump’s second term might further impact both domestic and international affairs.

Advertisement
Your support keeps us going!
Every purchase helps us do what we love. Thank you!

Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!

Continue Reading

Film Industry

Jay-Z Denies Allegations Amid Lawsuit

Published

on

Jay-Z, the renowned rapper and music mogul, faces serious allegations in a recently amended civil lawsuit. According to ABC News and NBC News, the suit accuses him and Sean “Diddy” Combs of raping a 13-year-old girl at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in 2000.

The lawsuit, initially filed in October 2024, was updated on Sunday to include Jay-Z as a defendant alongside Combs. The plaintiff, identified only as “Jane Doe,” claims she was assaulted after being driven to the party following the awards show.

Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, vehemently denies the allegations. He released a statement on X calling the lawsuit a “blackmail attempt” and questioning why it was filed as a civil case rather than a criminal one. The rapper expressed concern about the impact on his family, stating he and his wife Beyoncé would need to discuss the situation with their children.

Combs, who is currently in federal custody on separate charges, has also denied the accusations through his attorneys. The lawsuit alleges that an unidentified female celebrity was present during the incident but did not intervene.

The case has garnered significant media attention, with both artists’ reputations at stake. As the legal process unfolds, the music industry and public await further developments in this high-profile case.

Advertisement
Support Us by Shopping Our Shop!
Your support keeps us going!
Every purchase helps us do what we love. Thank you!

Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!

Continue Reading

Trending