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Astra’s upcoming LV0007 launch will be the company’s fourth orbital launch attempt after three prior attempts that failed to reach orbit, with the second attempt in December 2020 coming close to orbit.
Astra launched Launch Vehicle 0006 (LV0006) in late August 2021 after updates to the Rocket 3 series.
Astra implemented a closed-loop propellant control system after its second launch, and the 2021-08-28 LV0006 flight verified that system’s changes to better manage propellants and avoid early engine shutdowns.
Astra Space, Inc. issued its LV0007 and LV0006 update from Alameda, California on 2021-10-12.
Astra implemented closed-loop control of propellants on LV0006 to prevent excess residual propellant following the 2020-12-15 Rocket 3.2 launch.
Astra shares opened nearly 25% down on the Monday after the 2021-08-28 launch and closed the day down more than 18% from the prior Friday’s close.
Astra aborted a first Rocket 3.3 launch attempt on 2021-08-27 at T-0 seconds when main engine thrust did not ramp up as expected, and Astra shares fell more than 10% in after-hours trading following the abort.
Astra Space conducted its third orbital launch attempt from Kodiak, Alaska on 2021-08-28 using an upgraded Rocket 3.3 small launch vehicle.
Astra is building its next rocket in its California factory to incorporate lessons learned from the 2021-08-28 flight.
Rocket 3.3’s failure was Astra’s first since completing its merger with Holicity, a SPAC that raised about $500,000,000 in cash.
Astra’s stated mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet.
Astra has opened a mishap investigation and is working with the Federal Aviation Administration.
Astra’s Rocket 3.2 launch in December 2020 nearly reached orbit but the upper-stage engine shut down prematurely when it ran out of fuel.
Astra’s third attempt to reach orbit failed on 2021-08-28 when its Rocket 3.3 vehicle experienced an engine shutdown and subsequently failed in flight.
Astra considers that it demonstrated orbital launch capability during the Rocket 3.2 mission because that configuration would have been successful launching from a low-inclination site like Cape Canaveral.
Astra’s Rocket 3.1 launch in September 2020 failed when its guidance system caused the vehicle to drift from its planned trajectory and triggered an engine shutdown shortly after liftoff.
Astra developed Rocket 3 as a larger vehicle with an improved ground segment and built Rocket 3 in a little over one year.
Astra flew Rocket 2 and concluded that Rocket 2 was improved by the end of 2018.
Astra’s launch services support customers that observe Earth, including Planet and Spire, which provide satellite data used to track phenomena such as deforestation and illegal fishing.
Astra made additional upgrades in 2021 intended to increase performance and improve system reliability.