Firefly, a company initially focused on rockets, has faced challenges with its Alpha rocket experiencing partial failures and successes since its first unsuccessful flight in 2021. Despite setbacks, the company's CEO, Jason Kim, highlighted the valuable insights gained from rocket development that have informed the design of the propulsion system for their Blue Ghost spacecraft.
Kim emphasized the utilization of proven technology, such as attitude control thrusters with flight heritage and in-house developed reaction control thrusters. By leveraging existing expertise and common design elements, Firefly aims to reduce risk in their spacecraft development.
Firefly conducts engine tests at a facility in Briggs, Texas, which has evolved from a test stand into a full-scale rocket manufacturing site. Notably, the test stands are located near a cow pasture, with the cows seemingly unperturbed by the engine tests. While the thrusters for Blue Ghost were constructed at the Briggs site, the primary engine at the spacecraft's core was sourced from a supplier.
