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Firefly Aerospace Adds Chris Emerson to Board of Directors

Firefly’s Alpha FLTA002 mission in orbit. Credit: Firefly

Ibadan, 24 October 2022. – Firefly Aerospace, a launch, spacecraft, and in-space services company, has announced the addition of Chris Emerson, a seasoned industry leader with decades of aerospace expertise, to the Company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately.

Mr. Emerson will bring over 25 years of aerospace experience in space, commercial aviation, U.S. defense, and rotorcraft. He is the former Chairman & CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc., where he developed and executed a strategy to grow Airbus’ U.S. space business. Earlier this month, Mr. Emerson joined AE Industrial Partners, LP as an Operating Partner and currently serves on the Board of Directors of AEI portfolio companies Belcan and The Atlas Group.

Speaking on the addition to the board, Chris stated, “I’m excited to offer my counsel as Firefly looks to build off its successful launch earlier this month. Firefly is one of a handful of companies with the proven technology and expertise to offer customers affordable space transportation solutions, and I look forward to collaborating with Firefly’s team during this new stage of the company’s evolution.”

Likewise, Firefly CEO Bill Weber added, “Chris is a respected leader with an extensive background in aerospace and defense, including his many years at Airbus, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Firefly’s Board. His track record of driving innovation in business and technology will be a tremendous asset as Firefly works with our commercial customers to help them address their growing space transportation needs.”

With the recent successful launch of Firefly’s Alpha FLTA002 mission, Firefly became the first company to launch and reach orbit from U.S. soil in only its second attempt.

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