Lockheed Martin and Firefly teams completed all payload processing in less than 12 hours during the processing and launch simulation in collaboration with Firefly Aerospace.
“Speed in space operations has never been more critical,” said Kate Watts, Lockheed Martin Space enterprise strategy vice president.
“This exercise showcased our rapid payload processing capability and provided valuable feedback from our government customer on our demonstration efforts.”
Through the exercise, the companies demonstrated the capabilities needed to execute tactically responsive space missions within a threat scenario. The exercise enhanced the warfighter’s ability to execute space operations on accelerated timelines, supporting Lockheed Martin’s efforts to get new tech on orbit faster.
The teams also conducted a 36-hour rapid launch simulation as part of a Space Force-led field training exercise, rehearsing emergency launch protocols used in real-life, responsive space missions.
After receiving a simulated notice to launch, the teams completed all launch operations tasks within 36 hours.
“This mission is a powerful demonstration of what is achievable through swift collaboration and the strategic leveraging of our commercial partners to meet critical government needs,” said Space Safari’s director of operations, USSF Lieutenant Colonel Cliff Johnson.
“It provides invaluable insight into the future of responsive space.”