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Space Force Exercises With Firefly and Lockheed Show 12-Hour Payload Prep, 36-Hour Launch Rehearsal

The drills aim to codify a repeatable process for urgent military launches.

Overview

  • Firefly said it supported Lockheed Martin in two VICTUS DIEM exercises run by the U.S. Space Force.
  • One drill completed spacecraft arrival, checkouts, mating, and fairing encapsulation in under 12 hours.
  • A second drill rehearsed a full rapid-launch sequence within 36 hours of a simulated notice to launch.
  • Space Systems Command units Space Safari and Space Launch Delta 30 oversaw mission design, trajectory checks, collision avoidance, range safety, and final operations inside the 36-hour window.
  • The effort advances tactically responsive space, which aims to replace lost satellites or add surveillance on short notice by shrinking steps that usually take months.