A software glitch caused the Alpha rocket to miss its target orbit
- Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha rocket put a satellite in the wrong orbit in December
- Software issue caused the problem
- Investigation determined error in GNC software algorithm
- Firefly is implementing corrections to resolve the issue
- Alpha will be ready to fly again in the coming months
- Payload was successfully deployed despite the challenges
- Firefly’s Alpha rocket had previous test mission failures
- Alpha rocket launched 27 hours after Space Force order in a record-setting mission
The fourth-ever launch of Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha rocket, called Fly the Lightning, encountered a mishap when it failed to achieve the target orbit. The investigation revealed that the error was due to a software issue in the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithm. Firefly is now taking corrective actions to resolve the problem and ensure it doesn’t happen again. Despite the challenges, the payload was successfully deployed in an orbit that allowed the mission objectives to be completed. This incident follows previous test mission failures of the Alpha rocket. However, the rocket recently set a record by launching just 27 hours after receiving an order from the U.S. Space Force.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides a detailed account of the mishap investigation conducted by Firefly Aerospace regarding the failed launch of their Alpha rocket. It includes direct quotes from the company, information about the payload, previous missions, and future plans. The article does not contain irrelevant information, misleading details, sensationalism, redundancy, or opinion masquerading as fact. It presents the facts objectively and accurately, without bias or logical errors.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides a detailed explanation of the mishap during Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha rocket launch, including the cause of the error and the corrective actions taken. It stays on topic and provides relevant information about the mission, the payload, and the company’s future plans. The article is focused and informative, without unnecessary noise or filler content.
Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Rating Justification: The news article does not pertain to financial topics and does not describe any extreme events. It provides information about the mishap investigation of Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha rocket launch, specifically an error in the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) software algorithm that affected the mission but did not scuttle it. The article also mentions previous launches of the Alpha rocket.
Public Companies: Firefly Aerospace (N/A), Lockheed Martin (N/A)
Key People: Firefly Aerospace (Rocket Manufacturer), Lockheed Martin (Aerospace Giant)
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