Astra will attempt a second test flight of Rocket 3.0 following an unsuccessful first flight
Astra Rocket 3.0 is the third version and first orbital version of Astra Space's small satellite launch vehicle. It is designed to carry 100kg in LEO.
"It's a really nice Christmas present for the team."
On its second test flight Tuesday, Astra’s privately-developed small satellite launcher ran out of fuel seconds before reaching the velocity needed to enter orbit but exceeded the company’s expectations with an otherwise-successful climb i…
Small launch vehicle developer Astra Space fell just short of reaching orbit on its second launch attempt Dec. 15, but the company is “beyond ecstatic” with the performance of the rocket.
Just three months after their first try at reaching orbit fell short, Astra returned to the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Kodiak, Alaska. The improved Rocket 3.2 launch vehicle lifted off on Tuesday, December 15 at 15:55 EST (20:55 UTC).
Small launch vehicle developer Astra will make its second orbital launch attempt in December, three months after an initial launch attempt failed shortly after liftoff.