"Uncovering the Cause: Firefly Aerospace's Alpha Rocket's Orbit Mishap Explained"
Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket's December launch failed to achieve the target orbit due to an error in the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) software algorithm, which prevented the necessary pulse commands to the Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters ahead of the stage two engine relight. Despite the software issue, the rocket successfully delivered the payload to low Earth orbit, allowing the mission partner to complete their primary objectives. Firefly is implementing corrective actions to resolve the software issue and expects the Alpha rocket to be ready for another launch in the coming months.