Firefly Alpha FLTA006 fails to reach orbit after a stage-separation anomaly

Firefly Aerospace/Alpha

On Alpha's sixth flight on April 29, carrying a Lockheed Martin demonstrator, excessive heat from plume-induced flow separation ruptured the first stage, destroying the second-stage engine's nozzle extension and cutting thrust. The upper stage reached 320 km but fell short of orbital velocity; both stages landed safely in the Pacific with no public risk.

• FLTA006 payload: Lockheed Martin LM 400 technology demonstrator satellite.
• Root cause: higher angle of attack than previous flights intensified heat on first stage's leeward side.
• Upper stage reached 320 km altitude but lacked orbital velocity; both stages recovered from Pacific.
• FAA cleared resumption after investigation; corrections implemented: increased thermal protection on Stage 1, reduced angle of attack during critical phases.