Astra Wins NASA Contract for Storm Observation Satellites

Astra Secures NASA Contract for CubeSat Delivery

Astra, the space launch company headquartered in Alameda, California, has been awarded a contract to transport six cube satellites into orbit for NASA. The agreement stipulates a payment of $7.95 million to Astra upon successful completion of the mission.

This undertaking represents a significant evaluation of Astra’s capacity for responsive space launches. The mission is structured around three separate launches, anticipated to occur over a period of up to four months.

TROPICS Mission Details

The satellites are designated for NASA’s Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation Structure and Storm Intensity with a Constellation of SmallSats (TROPICS) mission. This scientific endeavor aims to gather crucial data concerning hurricanes, focusing on their development and characteristics.

Data collection will encompass measurements of temperature, pressure, and humidity. The TROPICS mission will utilize a constellation of compact satellites, each approximately the size of a shoebox, to achieve its objectives.

Recent Launch Progress and Future Outlook

Late last year, Astra successfully completed its second of three planned launches intended to reach orbital altitude. The launch surpassed initial projections, achieving spaceflight and coming close to orbital insertion.

Analysis of the data acquired during this mission indicates that the remaining obstacles to achieving orbit are addressable through software modifications. Astra CEO and founder, Chris Kemp, expressed confidence in the company’s readiness to commence commercial payload deliveries.

Leadership and Existing Contracts

Prior to founding Astra, Chris Kemp served as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of NASA and has been involved in the establishment of several technology ventures.

This NASA mission is not Astra’s inaugural contracted launch. The company currently maintains a backlog of over 50 missions from both governmental and private sector clients, representing a total revenue potential exceeding $150 million.

Astra is targeting a launch window between January 8 and July 31 of 2022 for this mission.