Firefly Aerospace has announced it is buying SciTec, a defense technology company, in a deal valued at about $855 million. The deal includes $300 million in cash and $555 million in new Firefly shares, priced at $50 each. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of 2025, after completing regulatory approvals.
SciTec, based in Princeton, New Jersey, provides missile-warning systems, tracking solutions, and space domain awareness tools for defense and intelligence customers. The company reported $164 million in revenue as of June 2025.
Earlier this year, SciTec received a $259 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to build a ground system for missile-detection satellites. After the acquisition, SciTec will operate as a subsidiary of Firefly, led by its current CEO, Jim Lisowski, who will report to Firefly CEO Jason Kim.
Moving Beyond Rocket Launches
Firefly Aerospace, headquartered in Cedar Park, Texas, has mainly focused on building rockets and spacecraft. It went public in August 2025, with a valuation near $10 billion. The company has delivered multiple launch missions and completed the Blue Ghost lunar lander mission this year.
With the acquisition of SciTec, Firefly is expanding beyond launch services into defense technologies. Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly, said the acquisition “strengthens Firefly’s capabilities in national security and space defense applications.” By integrating SciTec’s missile detection and tracking systems, Firefly can now provide both hardware and software solutions for government contracts.
Firefly has faced challenges in 2025, including delays in some rocket tests, but it has maintained continuity in its missions and contracts. Bringing SciTec into the company adds a new layer of capability, combining software-driven analytics with existing spacecraft and launch services. This combination allows Firefly to handle projects that require both ground systems and in-space operations.
SciTec Powers Defense Technology
SciTec specializes in missile warning, tracking, and space monitoring systems. Its software helps process satellite data and provides actionable information for military and intelligence operations. The $259 million Space Force contract announced earlier this year involves developing a ground system for satellite-based missile detection. This system is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to improve missile defense infrastructure.
The company has earned $164 million in revenue year-to-date as of June 2025. SciTec employs engineers and analysts who develop software and analytics tools for government satellite programs. CEO Jim Lisowski said the acquisition “allows SciTec to scale its solutions while keeping ongoing projects running.”
The company will retain its focus on defense projects, while Firefly will support integration and operational expansion.
How Firefly and SciTec Will Work Together
Firefly plans to integrate SciTec’s software and tracking systems with its own launch and spacecraft services. This integration will allow the company to provide end-to-end solutions for defense projects, combining both hardware and software components.
The acquisition provides Firefly with technical expertise in missile detection, satellite monitoring, and space domain awareness. The company can now offer solutions that cover both ground and space operations for defense agencies.
Keeping SciTec’s staff and offices intact helps maintain continuity for ongoing projects while allowing Firefly to expand its service offerings.
Once regulatory approvals are finalized, SciTec’s systems and personnel will fully join Firefly. The company will continue its existing launches and spacecraft operations while incorporating SciTec’s tracking and analytics technology.
