October 16, 2022

‘Secret’ Austin-Area Aerospace Company Breaks Space Flight Record (Source: KXAN)
Another “best-kept secret” in central Texas, Firefly Aerospace is breaking new ground in space transportation.Earlier this month, the company broke a new record, becoming “The first US launch company to launch from the US and into orbit for a second attempt” CEO Bill Weber said. On October 3, the company launched its Alpha rocket into orbit from a launch pad at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The flight was meant to be just a test flight.

“If you can launch a rocket, put it into orbit, and release a payload within the first 30 days of being CEO, I highly recommend that,” Weber said. He joined the company in September. Most people probably don’t know that in addition to SpaceX, there is a major spaceflight company based in central Texas. Firefly Aerospace is tucked away in an unassuming commercial complex in Cedar Park. Apart from the sign on the glass door, there is no sign pointing to the facility. (10/13)

Space Command Will Like Huntsville, Says This Command General (Source: al.com)
America’s new U.S. Space Command will like being headquartered in Huntsville if a leader of one of the Army’s largest military commands is any indication. “I had always heard great things about this installation and community but had never served here,” Army Materiel Command Maj. Gen Walter “Walt” Duzzny said Thursday, “but coming here, it’s all true.”

Duzzny is chief of staff one of the largest and most important commands in the Army. He spoke to local media at command headquarters on Redstone Arsenal to mark the command’s 60th birthday. (10/14)

UK RAF C-17 Delivers Virgin Galactic Rocket to Cornwall (Source: Forces.net)
A Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster has arrived at Space Cornwall carrying Virgin Orbit's 'LauncherOne' rocket. The RAF and UK Space Command are supporting #StartMeUp – the first-ever space launch from the UK which is due to take place later this year. (10/15)