Hello and welcome back to Max Q!
In this issue:
- Firefly Aerospace conquered the night
- News from Varda Space and more
Firefly Aerospace successfully launched a satellite for the US Space Force on just 24 hours’ notice, in a record-breaking demonstration of rapid launch capabilities for national security missions.
The company launched the Victus Nox mission at the first available time, with Alpha leaving the path just 27 hours after the launch message was received.
![rocket launch at night](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/firefly-victus-nox.jpeg)
Image credits: Firefly aerospace (opens in a new window)
More news from all over TC
- The Exploration Company signed a cargo delivery agreement with private space station developer Axiom Space, as well as a launch agreement with the Indian Space Research Organization.
- Opening Cosmosa UK-based satellite startup, has raised $50 million, a remarkable number considering the current investment climate.
- Rocket Lab has converted Virgin Orbit’s old headquarters and manufacturing complex into a rocket engine development center.
- Tech stars selected 12 new companies to join the space accelerator’s fall cohort, with startups working on everything from launch to in-orbit servicing.
- Varda space a return request was denied by the U.S. Air Force earlier this month, pushing back the company’s timeline for returning its first production demonstration in space.
![Nyx Orbital Vehicle The Exploration Company](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Orbite-Terre-Fin.png)
Image credits: The Exploration Company (opens in a new window)
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