A U.S. based rocket manufacturer Firefly Aerospace has signed a preliminary agreement with Space Cotan the operator of the Hokkaido Spaceport to conduct a feasibility study of the planned expansion and the launch of Alpha Rocket from Japan. A U.S.–Japan Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) is also required to permit American rocket launches from Japanese soil, and that agreement is currently under negotiation.
The launch site would mark Firefly’s first in Asia and its second overseas location, showing a strategic push to serve the burgeoning Asian satellite market. The feasibility study will determine regulatory requirements, investment needs, as well as timeline planning.
Firefly Aerospace's stock (FLY) opened at USD 70 per share during its Nasdaq debut, above the USD 45 IPO price. It has experienced fluctuations, including an 8% drop in premarket trading, bringing the price to USD 47.34. This is still above the IPO price but less than the initial high. The company has raised USD 868 million through the offering, which was oversubscribed, showing a strong investor interest in the space sector.
By offering affordable and reliable launch services for smaller payloads the company open up space to the public. Firefly (FLY) has held considerable attention earlier this year when it became the first private company to successfully land and operate on the Moon with Blue Ghost Mission. The achievement marked the first fully successful U.S. lunar surface landing since the Apollo era over 50 years ago.
Executive Statement
According to the Adam Oakes Firefly (FLY) Vice President, launching Alpha from Japan would allow the company to serve the larger satellite industry in Asia and add resiliency for U.S. allies with a proven orbital launch vehicle.
