Blastoff! Firefly launches Alpha rocket for 6th time - "Mishap" impacts engine nozzle

Firefly's Alpha rocket lifted off from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base on April 29, 2025 at 9:37 a.m. EDT (1337 GMT; 6:37 a.m. local California time). Full Story: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/firefly-aerospace-alpha-rocket-launch-lm-400-lockheed-martin

"The rocket's second stage appeared to tumble after separating from its booster, but seemed to right itself and continue heading towards its intended orbit," according to Space.com.

UPDATE - Firefly wrote on X: "Following a nominal liftoff of Firefly’s Alpha rocket, there was a mishap during first stage separation for the FLTA006 mission that impacted the Stage 2 Lightning engine nozzle, putting the vehicle in a lower than planned orbit."

Credit: Firefly Aerospace