Firefly Aerospace Inc secured a $144 million NASA contract to deliver science payloads to the Moon, targeting a 2028 launch. The award, part of the agency's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, aims to demonstrate rapid and reliable commercial lunar delivery. Separately, the company advanced infrastructure milestones for a new orbital launch site in Sweden with SSC Space, expanding its global launch capabilities.

NASA Contract Details

The $144 million contract covers a Blue Ghost lunar mission to the Moon's near side. Firefly plans to complete the mission in approximately two years, roughly half the development time of its Blue Ghost Mission 1, by leveraging a standardized lander design and operational experience. The mission will deliver three NASA science instruments: the Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) for precision laser ranging, the Linear Energy Transfer Spectrometer (LETS) to measure radiation, and the Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume Surface Studies (SCALPSS) to study plume-surface interactions during touchdown.

"This latest mission award will help prove that commercial lunar delivery can be rapid, repeatable, and reliable," CEO Jason Kim said. The company is utilizing flight data from its first successful lunar landing to improve future missions and accelerate production. Future missions are planned for the Moon's far side, Gruithuisen Domes, and the south pole using the Blue Ghost lander and Elytra orbital vehicle.

Sweden Launch Site Progress

In a separate development, Firefly and SSC Space completed key infrastructure and regulatory milestones for orbital launches from the Esrange Space Center in Sweden, with the first launch targeted for 2028. The companies finalized core infrastructure at Launch Complex 3C, including the launch control center, payload processing facility, and integration building.

Regulatory cooperation advanced through a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Swedish National Space Agency and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, building on the existing Technology Safeguards Agreement. Additionally, SSC Space signed a 209 million Swedish kronor agreement with the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration to support satellite launches for the Swedish Armed Forces. Launch Complex 3C will support Firefly's Alpha rocket and expand orbital launch access from mainland Europe.

Technical Analysis and Market Reaction

Firefly shares traded about 1% higher on Thursday following the contract announcement. However, the stock remains in a longer-term downtrend, trading 7.5% below its 20-day simple moving average and 21.6% below its 50-day simple moving average. The shares are holding just 0.2% below the 200-day simple moving average, making the $28-$29 range a critical technical level. Momentum indicators remain cautious, with the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) below its signal line. Key resistance sits near $34.50, while initial support is around $24.00.

Firefly Aerospace and SSC Space have advanced their joint orbital launch capabilities at Esrange Space Center by completing critical infrastructure, establishing transatlantic regulatory frameworks, and securing a significant defense agreement. The companies are now proceeding with final construction at Launch Complex 3C, targeting the first orbital launch for 2028. This development expands critical access to space from mainland Europe, leveraging Firefly’s Alpha rocket to deliver 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit.

Key infrastructure completed includes the launch control center, payload processing facility, launch vehicle integration building, tracking and control systems, and security and storage facilities. The project is supported by a Memorandum of Cooperation signed in April 2026 between the Swedish National Space Agency and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This agreement streamlines the launch licensing process and establishes a shared understanding of commercial space regulations. Additionally, a Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) between Sweden and the United States provides the legal framework for exporting advanced U.S. space technology, making Sweden the sixth country to enter into such an agreement with the U.S.

"Today we’re celebrating the realization of critical transatlantic partnerships that are enabling Firefly’s global launch expansion strategy, starting in Sweden," said Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. He emphasized that the 'launch as a franchise' model provides allies with launch site diversification required for resilient space missions. Charlotta Sund, CEO and Group President of SSC Space, highlighted that adding an orbital launch capability to mainland Europe strengthens the continent’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy.

From a commercial standpoint, SSC Space recently signed a SEK 209 million agreement with the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV). This contract enables the Swedish Armed Forces to launch their own satellites into orbit from Esrange Space Center using the Alpha rocket. The high-latitude location of Esrange, approximately 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, is ideal for reaching sun-synchronous and polar orbits, which are in high demand for national security and commercial missions.

Project Overview