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A Firefly Alpha rocket carrying a Lockheed Martin technology demonstration satellite failed to reach orbit on April 29th due to a malfunction during stage separation. A cloud of debris was observed, and the upper stage's engine nozzle appeared damaged, preventing the satellite from achieving orbital velocity. The satellite reentered the atmosphere over the South Pacific. This is Firefly Alpha's sixth launch; only two previous missions were fully successful. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the failure. The launch was delayed from mid-March due to resource protection constraints at Vandenberg Space Force Base, possibly related to the X-37B spaceplane landing.

Prepared by Jonathan Pierce and reviewed by editorial team.