Astra Space Tumbles After Launch Fails, Loses 2 NASA Satellites
2022.06.13 17:32
Astra Space (ASTR) Tumbles After Launch Fails, Loses 2 NASA Satellites
By Sam Boughedda
Aerospace firm Astra Space’s (NASDAQ:ASTR) rocket launch, carrying two small hurricane-tracking satellites for NASA, failed Sunday after a malfunction shortly after launching.
Astra’s rocket, Launch Vehicle 0010, reportedly suffered a major malfunction shortly after liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The two NASA satellites were part of a group of six planned to track hurricanes as part of a $30 million mission.
According to reports, the initial launch attempt was halted less than two minutes before liftoff due to an issue with the vehicle’s liquid oxygen propellant.
Following the failure, Astra tweeted: “We had a nominal first stage flight. The upper stage shut down early and we did not deliver the payloads to orbit. We have shared our regrets with @NASA and the payload team. More information will be provided after we complete a full data review.”
Out of its first seven launches, Astra has only successfully reached orbit twice. Yesterday’s unsuccessful mission is the second failure in three attempts for the company this year.
Astra stock has tumbled 24% so far in Monday’s session.
