Firefly Aerospace – an end-to-end space transportation company – recently announced the closing of another tranche of financing, valuing the company at $1.5 billion pre-money. The funding round is being led by existing investors, including AE Industrial Partners, LP, and new investors, including Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Firefly has raised approximately $300 million since February 2023.
Along with Firefly’s recent responsive launch success, the company was awarded contracts for multiple Alpha missions, including a NASA mission, concluded a launch agreement with Lockheed Martin, and signed a multi-launch agreement with L3Harris. Under their Blue Ghost Lunar Lander product line, the company won multiple U.S. government and commercial contracts, including three NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) task orders.
Firefly’s on-orbit vehicle Elytra is on contract for its first mission for the National Reconnaissance Office – scheduled to fly on Firefly’s Alpha Rocket next year, while The Medium Launch Vehicle being co-developed with Northrop Grumman has major milestones scheduled before the end of the year.
The company also expects to announce a close of its current financing round soon.
KEY QUOTES:
“We have been successful at raising funds at an increased valuation in this challenging capital markets environment due to our focus on production and mission execution. Following our most recent success with the groundbreaking launch of the VICTUS NOX mission by the U.S. Space Force, we have seen heightened interest from new investors.”
— Bill Weber, CEO Firefly Aerospace
“Firefly has clinched key contracts and cemented itself as the leader in tactically responsive launch. Their differentiated technology and astute leadership have propelled them to several successes over the past year. We are proud to back Firefly as they emerge as a leader in space and defense technology while fortifying our national security.”
— Kirk Konert Partner at AE Industrial and Chairman of Firefly
