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Astra’s Rocket 3.2 takes off from Kodiak Island, Alaska. Credit: Astra / John Kraus
On its second test flight Tuesday, Astra’s privately-developed small satellite launcher ran out of fuel seconds before reaching the velocity needed to enter orbit but exceeded the company’s expectations with an otherwise-successful climb into space from Kodiak Island, Alaska.
Astra officials said Tuesday the rocket “performed flawlessly” for roughly eight minutes, successfully demonstrating the launcher’s first stage burn, stage separation, payload fairing jettison, and second stage ignition milestones on the ascent into space.
Rocket company Astra returned to Kodiak last week to launch their newest rocket from Pacific Spaceport Complex â Alaska. Although initial efforts were scuttled because of inclement weather, the company will try another launch today.Â
On Friday, the Alameda-based rocket startup tweeted that the planned launch of their newest version, Rocket 3.2, had been pushed back because of high winds and triggered lightning.Â
âWe are standing down today due to extreme upper-level wind shear and triggered lightning. We have daily launch opportunities through Dec. 18,â Astra said on Friday.
The postponement continued through the weekend due to bad weather conditions.Â
Astra hopes to reach orbit with the new rocket, but noted that with every launch attempt, the company advances and collects more data.Â