Another update from Firefly early Tuesday afternoon confirmed the launch failed. The company said the rocket "experienced a mishap between stage separation and second stage ignition that led to the loss of the Lightning engine nozzle extension, substantially reducing the engine’s thrust."

"The team is working closely with our customers and the FAA to conduct an investigation and determine root cause of the anomaly."

A rocket launch from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base did not go to plan after the spacecraft experienced a midair "mishap."