Astra had a bumpy ride until they ironed out a few issues. Out of the first eight missions, only two were successful.
It will carry two out of six TROPICS (Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats) satellites to low-earth orbit.
TROPICS stands for "Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats". It will be a constellation of six 3U CubeSats. The satellites will measure temperature and moisture of tropical weather systems, in order to study how storms form and develop.
Astra is launching from Space Launch Complex 46, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
Payload mass is 2 x 5,34kg.
Main selling points for Astra:
- launch on short notice
- from everywhere
Rocket, ground equidment and launch pad fits into two shipping cointainers. These can be deployed by ship, plane or truck.
How Astra is Building Lower-Cost Rockets | Factory Tour
Where to watch:
- NASASpaceflight will be live streaming 45 minutes before launch: LIVE: Astra Launches Spaceflight Astra-1 Mission
Check your local time of launch at: www.timeanddate.com
List of Astra rocket launches: Wikipedia
Scott Manley: Why This Rocket Went Sideways Off The Launch Pad
Scott Manley: Astra's Secret Rocket Project Finally Reveals Itself
The Angry Astronaut: NEW CONTROVERSY!! Astra Space a pipedream? Or the next SpaceX?
Astra has had a string of unfortunate and spectacular failures in the beginning:
- First attempt failed after an automatic abort was triggered because the vehicle started to oscillate: Astra Rocket 3.1 Destroyed After Losing Control
- Second attempt failed because the fuel/oxidizer ratio on the second stage was off: Astra Space Rocket 3.2 launch
- Third attempt failed due to an early loss of one of five engines: Why This Rocket Went Sideways Off The Launch Pad
- Fourth attempt failed for 2 reasons: faulty wiring of the fairing release system, and second stage control systems spun the vehicle out of control Rocket Launch Doomed After Payload Fairing Won't Open
Useful links to stay up to date on launches:
Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule
Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews
Space News:
NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com
Vote for my witness: @blue-witness
space rocket astra technology