Firefly Aerospace has been awarded a contract to launch QuickSounder, a prototype satellite designed to enhance environmental monitoring for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The contract, awarded by NASA on behalf of NOAA, is part of the Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) program. The financial details of the award were not disclosed.
QuickSounder represents the initial phase of NOAA's Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON), a new generation of polar-orbiting satellites designed to collect critical weather data for the National Weather Service and other agencies. The satellite will carry an Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder, developed by Northrop Grumman, and is scheduled to launch no earlier than February 2026.
NOAA and NASA are collaborating to expedite the development of small and medium-sized satellites to improve weather forecasting, disaster response, and climate monitoring capabilities. Under this agreement, NASA will manage satellite development and launch, while NOAA will oversee funding, provide technical requirements, and handle post-launch operations.
VADR, a fixed-price contract framework, supports the launch of small payloads for government agencies. The contract has a five-year ordering period and a total potential value of up to $300 million across all awards.
The Southwest Research Institute is responsible for building the QuickSounder satellite.
