posted 12-06-2021 09:04 AM               

Astra Announces Launch for NASA from Cape Canaveral in January

Astra Space, Inc. ("Astra") today (Dec. 6) announced that it plans to deploy its first satellite in orbit for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in January 2022. The launch from Cape Canaveral will be conducted out of Space Launch Complex 46 (SLC-46) and will be Astra's first launch out of Cape Canaveral.

Above: Space Launch Complex-46 in Cape Canaveral. (John Kraus/Astra Space)

"This historic launch site has been prepared for a new commercial launch partner in less than year, which is a tremendous milestone for our combined team, and illustrates how SLD 45 sets the pace for access to space." said Brigadier General Stephen Purdy, Commander of Space Launch Delta 45 and Director of the Eastern Range. "SLD 45, Space Florida, and Astra have moved at a rapid speed to demonstrate critical and responsive launch capabilities. We are excited to welcome Astra to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station."

Astra and Space Launch Delta 45, a part of the United States Space Force, enabled Astra to launch out of Cape Canaveral in record time – shortening the multi-year approval time to months.

"Launching out of the Cape allows us to serve customers with mid-inclination delivery needs, broadening our market," said Martin Attiq, Chief Business Officer at Astra. "This is an additional step in our global spaceport strategy and positions us to serve the broad low earth orbit (LEO) market."

Astra's launch will be livestreamed in partnership with NASASpaceFlight. Updates will be shared on Astra's Twitter feed, @astra.

About Astra

Astra's mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Today, Astra offers the lowest cost-per-launch dedicated orbital launch service of any operational launch provider in the world. Astra delivered its first commercial payload into Earth orbit in 2021, making it the fastest company in history to reach this milestone, just five years after it was founded in 2016. Astra was the first space launch company to be publicly traded on Nasdaq. Visit astra.com to learn more about Astra.

posted 02-04-2022 05:26 PM               

We have received our license. NASA's ELaNa 41 mission is scheduled for Sat., Feb 5. Launch window opens at 10:00 a.m. PST (06:00 p.m. UTC).

posted 02-05-2022 02:23 PM               

Standing down from today's launch of NASA's ELaNa 41 mission due to a range asset that went out of service. The team is setting up for next opportunity on Sun., Feb 6.

We are working with the range on the next launch opportunity for NASA’s ELaNa 41 mission, which is NET Mon., Feb. 7. Details to come.

posted 02-07-2022 11:12 AM               

Let's launch some CubeSats! Astra's Rocket 3.3 is targeted to lift off today carrying four small satellites for NASA's ELaNa 41 mission. The three-hour launch window will open at 1 p.m. EST.

Standing down today due to a minor telemetry issue. We are giving the team time to complete a thorough review and will provide an update on the next launch opportunity for NASA’s ELaNa 41 mission soon.

posted 02-10-2022 08:00 AM               

Launch attempt update: NASA's ELaNa 41 mission is scheduled for Thurs., Feb. 10. Launch window opens at 12:00pm PT / 3:00pm ET (20:00 UTC).

posted 02-10-2022 02:45 PM               

We experienced an issue during today's flight that resulted in the payloads not being delivered to orbit.

We are deeply sorry to our customers NASA and the small satellite teams. More information will be provided after we complete a data review.