Firefly Aerospace secures $176.7 million NASA lunar mission contract

Published 29/07/2025, 21:54
Firefly Aerospace secures $176.7 million NASA lunar mission contract

CEDAR PARK, Texas - Firefly Aerospace has been awarded a $176.7 million NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) contract to deliver five NASA-sponsored payloads to the Moon’s south pole in 2029, according to a press release statement issued Tuesday. The contract represents a significant opportunity for the company, which currently maintains a market capitalization of $3.7 billion and generated $351.8 million in revenue over the last twelve months. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company’s current Fair Value indicates it is slightly undervalued.

The mission will utilize Firefly’s Elytra orbital vehicle and Blue Ghost lunar lander to evaluate south pole resources, including hydrogen, water, and minerals, while studying radiation and thermal conditions that could impact future astronauts and lunar infrastructure.

The payload package includes two rovers—the MoonRanger and a Canadian Space Agency rover—along with a Laser Ablation Ionization Mass Spectrometer, a Laser Retroreflector Array, and the Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume Surface Studies, which previously flew on Firefly’s first Blue Ghost mission.

During operations, the Elytra Dark transfer vehicle will deploy the Blue Ghost lander into lunar orbit and remain there to provide communications relay services. After landing in the Moon’s south pole region, Blue Ghost will deploy the rovers and support payload operations for more than 12 days on the lunar surface.

Following the primary mission, the Elytra Dark vehicle will continue operating in lunar orbit for over five years as part of Firefly’s Ocula lunar imaging service, joining two other Elytra Dark vehicles scheduled for launch in 2026 and 2028.

"Following our first Blue Ghost mission that made history just a few months ago, this bold Firefly team proved we have the right mix of grit, innovation, and dedication to not only stick the landing, but also complete all scientific objectives for our payload partners," said Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace.

Firefly Aerospace, established in 2017, develops small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles from its facilities in central Texas. Gain deeper insights into Firefly’s financial performance and growth potential with InvestingPro, which offers exclusive access to over 30 additional financial metrics and expert analysis.

In other recent news, Firefly Aerospace announced the launch of its initial public offering (IPO) roadshow. The company plans to offer 16.2 million shares of common stock, with each share priced between $35 and $39. Firefly Aerospace has applied to list on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol "FLY." Additionally, the company intends to grant underwriters a 30-day option to purchase an additional 2.43 million shares at the initial offering price. These developments mark a significant step for the Texas-based space and defense technology company as it seeks to attract investors. The IPO is part of Firefly Aerospace’s strategy to increase its financial resources and expand its market presence. Investors and analysts will be closely monitoring the progress of this IPO as it unfolds.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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