Firefly Aerospace Partners with Volta Space Technologies for Lunar Power Network
CEDAR PARK, Texas, Dec. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Firefly Aerospace (Nasdaq: FLY), a leading name in space and defense technology, has announced a significant commercial payload agreement with Volta Space Technologies. This partnership will see a wireless power receiver hosted on Firefly’s Blue Ghost Mission 2 lander, aimed at the far side of the Moon. This payload will act as a technology demonstration for Volta’s innovative lunar power network known as LightGrid.
Collaborative Efforts Towards Lunar Power Utilities
Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Firefly is proud to welcome Volta to our second Blue Ghost mission and serve as a core partner in the ongoing development of lunar power utilities.” He emphasized the mission's importance in laying the groundwork for sustained operations on the Moon, pointing out the future potential of their Blue Ghost landers and Elytra orbiters in supporting Volta’s larger vision.
LightGrid: A Revolutionary Lunar Power Network
Volta's LightGrid will consist of a network of satellites in lunar orbit that collect solar energy and transmit it via laser to receivers known as LightPorts. These LightPorts are designed for integration on customer landers, rovers, and infrastructure on the Moon’s surface. The payload aboard Blue Ghost Mission 2 will test and validate the initial LightPort, showcasing how surface users can access Volta’s power grid and facilitating localized power distribution capabilities.
Significance of the Mission
Justin Zipkin, CEO of Volta, highlighted the mission's importance: “Partnering with Firefly on Blue Ghost Mission 2 is an important step forward for Volta and the future of lunar infrastructure.” He stated that this collaboration will provide essential data to support the development of a fully integrated power grid for the Moon.
Diverse Global Payloads and Mission Overview
With the addition of Volta, Blue Ghost Mission 2 will now carry six payloads from five different countries. This includes:
- NASA’s LuSEE-Night radio telescope
- European Space Agency’s Lunar Pathfinder satellite
- United Arab Emirates Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre Rashid Rover 2
- Fleet Space Technologies’ SPIDER payload
These payloads aim to enhance lunar surface exploration, improve geological assessments, and expand lunar communications capabilities.
Initiation of the Ocula Lunar Imaging Service
The Blue Ghost Mission 2 will also mark the launch of Firefly’s Ocula lunar imaging service. Operated via Firefly’s Elytra Dark vehicle, which is equipped with high-resolution telescopes, Elytra will initially serve as a Blue Ghost transfer vehicle, remaining in lunar orbit for over five years. This will enable crucial imaging capabilities to identify lunar mineral deposits and improve landing site fidelity.
Preparation and Testing for Blue Ghost Mission 2
Qualification testing for the fully stacked Blue Ghost and Elytra spacecraft structure is progressing well. The Firefly team has commenced assembly of flight hardware and has successfully accepted and tested the majority of the payloads at their spacecraft facility. For more details on the mission, visit Firefly Space.
About Firefly Aerospace
Firefly Aerospace is a pioneering space and defense technology company, facilitating government and commercial missions in space. Recognized for its rapid innovation, Firefly enabled the first commercial satellite launch within 24 hours notice and is the only company to achieve a successful lunar landing. Established in 2017, Firefly’s operational facilities are co-located in central Texas.
About Volta Space Technologies
Volta Space Technologies is developing a sustainable energy grid for lunar operations, providing affordable power for lunar surface missions. Their Optical Wireless Power Transmission technology has backing from various space agencies and will extend the reach of future lunar power systems. Volta aims to become the dominant utility provider on the lunar surface by adding additional communication and navigation services.
Forward-Looking Statements
This article contains forward-looking statements regarding the expected capabilities and future of Firefly Aerospace and its partnerships. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks, and readers are advised not to rely solely on them. For further information, consult the filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.