Astra Space
Can you still spell space without SPAC?
The SPAC boom has reshaped the space startup sector. Until recently, there was plenty of capital flowing into startups but few exits. SPACs offer, in some sense, the best of both options: an influx of capital associated with going public, but without the overhead of a traditional IPO.
SpaceX bid on launch of NASA cubesat mission
A NASA competition to launch a cluster of cubesats attracted a bid from SpaceX, who appeared to offer a vehicle other than its current Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy.
Astra, Rocket Lab win launch contracts
Astra has won a NASA contract to launch a small constellation of Earth science cubesats, while General Atomics selected Rocket Lab for the launch of a small satellite with a NOAA hosted payload.
Astra to go public through merger with SPAC
Small launch vehicle developer Astra will go public by merging with a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC), providing the company with nearly $500 million in cash and valuing it at more than $2 billion.
Ten companies bid for NASA small launch vehicle contract
A NASA small launch vehicle competition attracted bids from 10 companies, but half of them were effectively disqualified because of deficiencies or other problems.
Astra narrowly misses reaching orbit on second launch
Small launch vehicle developer Astra Space fell just short of reaching orbit on its second launch attempt Dec. 15, but the company is “beyond ecstatic” with the performance of the rocket.
Three companies win NASA small launch contracts
Three small launch vehicle developers won a combined $16.7 million in NASA contracts as part of an effort to support the development of new launch vehicles.
Astra to make second orbital launch attempt
Small launch vehicle developer Astra will make its second orbital launch attempt in December, three months after an initial launch attempt failed shortly after liftoff.
Former Pentagon official Fred Kennedy is the new president of Momentus
Fred Kennedy, former Space Development Agency director, is the new president of Momentus, a Silicon Valley company preparing to transport satellites in orbit.
Astra launch terminated during first-stage burn
Astra launched its Rocket 3.1 vehicle late Sept. 11, but the flight ended during the small launch vehicle’s first-stage burn.
Astra prepares for next launch attempt as it faces suit over company name
As Astra prepares for another launch attempt of its small launch vehicle, the company is facing a lawsuit from another company with a similar name.
Astra ready for first in a series of orbital launch attempts
Small launch vehicle developer Astra says it’s ready for an orbital launch attempt as soon as Aug. 2, but warns that it’s “pretty unlikely” that launch will actually achieve orbit.
Astra sets early August for next launch attempt
Small launch vehicle developer Astra said July 20 it’s now planning to make its next orbital launch attempt in early August, five months after a previous attempt was scrubbed a minute before liftoff.
Astra to make new orbital launch attempt in July
Small launch vehicle startup Astra will make another attempt to reach orbit in July after failing to win a DARPA launch competition earlier this year.
Shakeout in small launch industry is coming but nobody can predict when
Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck: "The market needs to grow a lot to sustain more than two companies."
