27 May 2021 Astra's Rocket 3.2 launches on a test flight from Alaska's Pacific Spaceport Complex on Dec. 15, 2020. The rocket reached space, a first for California-based Astra. (Image credit: Astra/John Kraus) Two Bay Area startups will work together to get satellites to orbit next year. San Francisco-based company Planet has tapped Astra, which is based in the East Bay, to launch some of its Earth-observing spacecraft in 2022. "We are thrilled to be working with Planet Labs on a multi-launch mission in 2022," Astra CEO and co-founder Chris Kemp "This is a milestone for both of our companies and creates an important inflection point as we begin delivering launch services to our customers that are creating a healthier and more connected planet," Kemp added.