Firefly Aerospace finalized its $855 million acquisition of national security technology company SciTec, dramatically expanding its capabilities for space and defense missions. The deal, paid through a combination of cash and stock, immediately positions Firefly to deliver enhanced launch, ground, and in-orbit mission services to critical national security customers.
Strengthening National Security Technology
The strategic acquisition grants Firefly access to SciTec’s sophisticated defense software, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data processing systems. These tools are crucial for missile warning and defense, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), space domain awareness, and autonomous command and control.
Firefly‘s CEO, Jason Kim, stated that SciTec’s four decades of experience and industry-leading software are highly complementary to Firefly’s launch and in-space vehicles. This merger positions the combined entity to support the most critical national security programs and deliver the future of edge processing for dynamic space operations.
Enhancing Mission Support and Infrastructure
SciTec contributes more than 475 specialized employees focused on multi-phenomenology systems, software development, and technical execution for classified missions. Firefly also gains substantial physical assets and classified infrastructure, including six strategically located facilities near key space and defense customers, such as dedicated mission operations centers, data centers, and modeling and simulation labs.
The integrated company’s new capabilities will enhance its ability to deliver combined hardware and software-defined tools for high-stakes national security requirements. Specifically, the deal will boost support for programs like the U.S. Space Force’s Golden Dome initiative, a proposed multi-layer defense system.
SciTec CEO Jim Lisowski will continue to lead SciTec as a subsidiary, reporting directly to Firefly Aerospace’s CEO. The combined hardware and software integration will create new, industry-leading categories for space and defense customers.
