On Saturday (12 September), US-based space start-up Astra announced that its test flight into orbit from its Kodiak launch site in Alaska failed despite a preliminary data review indicating that the rocket “performed very well”.

‘Rocket 3.1’ crashed after its guidance system experienced “slight oscillation”, which caused the rocket to “drift from its planned trajectory”, prompting a commanded shutdown by the flight safety system.

“We didn’t meet all of our objectives, but we did gain valuable experience, plus even more valuable flight data,” Astra stated.

“This launch sets us well on our way to reaching orbit within two additional flights, so we’re happy with the result.

“We are incredibly proud of what the team [accomplished].”

According to Astra, the launch was the first flight of a rocket “designed from the ground-up for low cost mass production and highly-automated launch operations”, adding that the launch system was deployed by six people in less than a week.

“Astra’s strategy is to learn fast through iterative development. Although we’re pleased with [the] outcome, we still have more work to do to reach orbit,” Astra noted.

“Once we reach orbit, we will relentlessly continue to improve the economics of the system as we deliver our customers’ payloads.”

Astra revealed that it has commenced preparations for a second launch, with ‘Rocket 3.2’ “built and ready for another big step towards orbit”.

“Over the next several weeks, we’ll be taking a close look at the flight data to determine how to make the next flight more successful,” the start-up added.

[Related: Failure to launch: Rocket Lab launch mission fails to reach orbit]

Charbel Kadib

News Editor – Defence and Cyber, Momentum Media

Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.

Receive the latest developments and updates on Australia’s space industry direct to your inbox. Subscribe today to Space Connect here.