Firefly Aerospace's new rocket engine spouts green flames in 1st 'hot fire' test

 

Firefly Aerospace successfully conducted the first hot fire test of its Miranda rocket engine, producing a massive plume of green flames.

 

The test, which took place at Firefly's test facility in Texas on November 16, 2023, lasted for approximately two minutes and generated 165,000 pounds of thrust. The Miranda engine is a liquid-methane-powered engine that will be used on the first stage of Firefly's Alpha rocket.

 

Advertisement

 

The successful hot fire test is a major milestone for Firefly Aerospace, as it brings the company one step closer to launching its first commercial rocket. Firefly is planning to launch its first Alpha rocket in late 2023 or early 2024.

 

 

 

The green flames produced by the Miranda engine are due to the presence of copper in the engine's combustion chamber. Copper is a natural green color, and when it is heated to high temperatures, it emits a green light.

 

Advertisement

 

 

The successful hot fire test is a positive development for Firefly Aerospace, as it demonstrates that the company is on track to develop a reliable and powerful rocket engine. Firefly is a leading commercial launch provider, and its Alpha rocket is designed to carry small satellites into orbit.

 

 

Here are some of the key details of the hot fire test:

• The test lasted for approximately two minutes.
• The engine generated 165,000 pounds of thrust.
• The green flames are due to the presence of copper in the engine's combustion chamber.

 

This is a developing story. We will continue to update it as more information becomes available.