Astra's Rocket 3 Fails Again

Credit: Brady Kenniston for Astra and NASASpaceflight

Credit: NASASpaceflight

After five previous test flights, Astra Space attempted to launch its 12 meter high rocket from Pacific Spaceport Complex - Alaska into low earth orbit on August 27, 2021. The mission was scrubbed at T-0. It launched on August 28 at 2pm PDT or 21:00 UTC. A second after launch, an engine failed causing the rocket to fly sideways. At about 2 and a half minutes after liftoff, the rocket was terminated. This would have been the first demonstration launch for the US Space Force. The previous launch on 15 December, 2020, narrowly failed to reach stable orbit.

Interview with Astra Founder & CEO Chris Kemp Ahead of LV0006 Launch: