Miranda Engine Successfully Tested, Promising Powerful Thrust for Antares Rocket
Firefly Aerospace has successfully conducted the first hot-fire test of its Miranda engine, which will power the Antares 330 and MLV launch vehicles. The test, performed at 65% power, validated the engine's startup sequence. The Miranda engine uses liquid oxygen and kerosene propellants, generating 230,000 pounds-force of thrust. The Antares 330, powered by seven Miranda engines, is expected to have its first flight in mid-2025, while the MLV, also using seven Miranda engines, is set for a first launch in late 2025. Firefly is simultaneously increasing production of its Alpha launch vehicle and has recently closed a third tranche of a Series C round, raising a total of $300 million.