Lockheed Martin, in collaboration with Firefly Aerospace, successfully demonstrated rapid-response space capabilities during the US Space Force’s VICTUS DIEM exercise, completing payload processing in under 12 hours and simulating a full launch within 36 hours.

The exercise highlighted the ability to accelerate space operations in crisis scenarios, reinforcing efforts to quickly deploy new technologies and enhance tactical responsiveness in orbit. Lockheed writes:

Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) participated in the U.S. Space Force (USSF) VICTUS DIEM exercise, successfully executing a rapid payload processing and launch simulation in collaboration with Firefly Aerospace.

WHY IT MATTERS

Through this effort, the companies demonstrated capabilities needed to execute tactically responsive space missions within a threat scenario. The exercise enhanced the warfighter’s ability to execute space operations on accelerated timelines, supporting Lockheed Martin’s efforts to get new tech on orbit faster. For example:

• The VICTUS DIEM exercise included a rapid payload processing demonstration. The Lockheed Martin and Firefly teams completed all payload processing in less than 12 hours. Accelerated payload processing is critical in a crisis, when American or allied forces may need to launch quickly to counter a threat.
• The teams also conducted a 36-hour rapid launch simulation as part of a Space Force-led field training exercise, rehearsing emergency launch protocols used in real-life, responsive space missions. After receiving a simulated notice to launch, the teams completed all launch operations tasks within 36 hours.

EXPERT PERSPECTIVES 

“Speed in space operations has never been more critical,” said Kate Watts, vice president of Enterprise Strategy at Lockheed Martin Space. “This exercise showcased our rapid payload processing capability and provided valuable feedback from our government customer on our demonstration efforts.”

In a recent USSF statement, Space Safari’s Director of Operations, USSF Lt. Col. Cliff Johnson said, “This mission is a powerful demonstration of what is achievable through swift collaboration and the strategic leveraging of our commercial partners to meet critical government needs. It provides invaluable insight into the future of responsive space.”

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