Astra reaches orbit on fourth attempt

Smallsat launch startup Astra Space successfully launched the Rocket 3 to orbit following three previous failed attempts. The purpose of this mission was to demonstrate the capability to reach orbit and deploy payload to the intended orbit. The only payload was a test payload for the United States Space Force’s (USSF) Space Test Program.

After a first launch attempt was scrubbed, LV0007 lifted off at 10:04 PM PST on November 19 (06:04 UTC on November 20) from LP-3B in Kodiak, Alaska. At T+3 minutes when propellant depletion occurred on the first stage, engines shut down and fairing separated following a stage separation. Aether vacuum optimized engine ignited at T+3 minutes 15 seconds. The upper stage burned until about eight and a half minutes after launch when SECO occurred making Astra Space join a very short list of companies with a successful orbital rocket.