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Watch: Firefly Aerospace Reaches Orbit With New Rocket Launched From California Coast
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On Saturday, a brand-new aerospace business launched its second rocket into orbit and placed several tiny satellites in orbit.
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In the early morning darkness, Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket blasted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and arced over the Pacific.
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An attempt to launch the day before was unexpectedly aborted as the countdown hit zero. Despite the first-stage engines firing, the rocket stopped its liftoff on its own.
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Numerous tiny satellites created for a range of technological experiments, demonstrations, and educational uses were part of the rocket's cargo.
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The company's second demonstration flight of its entry into the market for tiny satellite launchers, called "To The Black," was the mission.
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On September 2, 2021, the first Alpha was launched from Vandenberg, but it failed to enter orbit.
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The rocket proceeded higher on three engines into the supersonic region when it lost control after one of the four first-stage engines unexpectedly shut down.