Firefly Alpha Block 2 First Launch (Flight 8)
Updated from live prices and SEC filings
Firefly Aerospace is targeting the fourth quarter of 2026 for Alpha Flight 8 from Vandenberg, the first flight of the upgraded Alpha Block 2. It is one of two more Alpha launches Firefly plans this year and the first test of the reliability upgrades in flight.
Scheduled: Fourth quarter 2026 · Alpha Block 2. Companies involved: Firefly Aerospace (FLY).
Key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Alpha Block 2 |
| Mission | Alpha Flight 8 |
| Launch site | SLC-2W, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California |
| Next mission | Alpha Flight 9, also targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026 |
| Previous flight | Flight 7, 11 March 2026 (Pacific time), reached orbit |
Why it matters for the stock
- Firefly said on its second quarter 2026 call that it is targeting Flights 8 and 9 this year, for three Alpha launches in 2026.
- Block 2 is an upgrade intended to improve Alpha's reliability; Block 2 avionics flew in shadow mode on Flight 7 in March 2026.
- Before launch the rocket still needs acceptance testing, delivery to Vandenberg, a static fire and payload integration.
- Firefly says most of its 2027 Alpha manifest is already sold.
Earlier launches and how the shares moved
| Event | Date | Outcome | Share move |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha Flight 7 (return to flight) | 11 March 2026 (12 March UTC) | Reached orbit with a demonstrator payload | FLY up 16.7% intraday on 12 March (as of 2:10 p.m. ET), per Nasdaq |
More
- FLY stock: live price, filings and contracts
- All space stock launch events
- Full upcoming launch schedule
Sources
- Spaceflight Now: Firefly pushes debut of Alpha Block 2 to the fourth quarter of 2026
- Firefly Aerospace Q2 2026 earnings call transcript
- SpaceNews: Firefly to upgrade Alpha rocket to improve reliability
- NASASpaceflight: Firefly FLTA007 launch
- Nasdaq: Why Fly Aerospace stock popped today (12 March 2026)
Launch dates move often; this page is updated as they change. Orbit Alpha is information, not investment advice.
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