Firefly Aerospace, a leading provider of commercial space transportation services, is setting its sights on the Moon. The company has been chosen by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop an analytical framework for aggregated on-orbit spacecraft hubs as part of the LunA-10 initiative. This ambitious project aims to rapidly develop a framework for integrated commercial lunar infrastructure by 2035.
DARPA’s LunA-10 initiative seeks to accelerate the development of a commercially viable lunar ecosystem. The project aims to establish a network of on-orbit spacecraft hubs that will serve as critical infrastructure for future lunar missions. These hubs will provide essential services such as in-space refueling, assembly, and repair, enabling sustained lunar exploration and development.
Firefly Aerospace brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the LunA-10 initiative. The company has successfully developed and launched the Alpha rocket, a dedicated small launch vehicle capable of delivering payloads to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This experience will be crucial in designing and deploying the spacecraft hubs for the LunA-10 project.
Firefly Aerospace will lead a team of experts in developing an analytical framework for aggregated on-orbit spacecraft hubs. This framework will identify the key components and functions required for these hubs, as well as assess the technical feasibility and economic viability of the concept. The framework will also address critical issues such as on-orbit assembly, maintenance, and logistics.
The LunA-10 initiative marks a significant shift in the approach to lunar exploration. By leveraging commercial space companies like Firefly Aerospace, DARPA aims to accelerate the development of a sustainable and cost-effective lunar infrastructure. This will pave the way for a future where the Moon becomes a thriving hub for scientific research, resource extraction, and even space tourism.