Astra, a developing launch provider, has achieved a significant milestone, joining a select group of companies that have successfully reached orbital space – and sooner than anticipated. The company’s Rocket 3.2 test rocket successfully crossed the Karman line, the internationally recognized boundary of space at 100 km (62 miles) above Earth, during a recent launch from Kodiak, Alaska.

This flight represents the second orbital test in Astra’s series; their Rocket 3.1 test vehicle flew in September, achieving a successful outcome by the company’s standards through data collection and liftoff, but did not attain space or orbital status. Both the 3.1 and 3.2 rockets are components of a planned three-launch program intended to reach orbital altitudes by the conclusion of the series.

Astra is a launch startup specializing in small satellite delivery, manufacturing its rockets at a facility in California’s East Bay, designed for large-scale production. Their approach utilizes smaller vehicles compared to established providers like SpaceX and Rocket Lab, aiming to offer responsive and rapid launch services at a comparatively lower price point – envisioning a space-bound shuttle service rather than a luxury transport option. They are in direct competition with companies such as Virgin Orbit, which has yet to reach space with its launch system.

This achievement is a substantial victory and a key milestone for Astra’s rocket program, particularly noteworthy given the swift recovery from a launch anomaly in September, which the company attributed to an issue within its guidance system. The ability to rectify the problem and execute a successful launch within three months demonstrates considerable technical prowess, especially considering the added complexities presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Astra did not anticipate reaching this level of success during today’s test; the startup had outlined seven stages for achieving orbital flight, initially expecting to accomplish 1) ignition and liftoff; and 2) reaching Max Q, the point of maximum dynamic pressure experienced by the rocket during atmospheric flight. They also aimed for nominal main-engine cutoff for the first stage, which would have been considered success for this flight, but the “rocket continued to perform,” as stated by CEO and founder Chris Kemp during a post-launch discussion.

Rocket 3.2 then completed a successful stage separation, and the second stage proceeded to cross the Karman line, entering outer space. Subsequently, it achieved a successful upper-stage ignition, followed by a nominal upper-stage engine shutdown six minutes later. The rocket ultimately reached an altitude of 390 km, its target orbital height, but attained a velocity of 7.2 km per hour, slightly below the required 7.68 km per hour for sustained orbit.

Astra clarified that determining the optimal propellant mix for this stage can only be finalized through in-space testing, and believes achieving the necessary velocity will require adjustments to the upper-stage propellant mixtures. Kemp expressed confidence in accomplishing this within the next few months, with plans to begin delivering payloads early in the following year. The company emphasized that this will not necessitate any alterations to hardware or software, only a refinement of existing variables.

Kemp further noted that this success validates the core principles of Astra’s approach, which prioritizes extensive automation to minimize costs.

“We have been operating for approximately four years, and our team currently comprises around 100 individuals,” Kemp stated. “This team has successfully overcome significant obstacles in pursuit of this achievement. A team member was quarantined after testing positive for COVID-19 en route to Kodiak, necessitating the quarantine of the entire team and the deployment of a complete backup team.” This was feasible due to the small size of the launch team, consisting of only five people.

“We have now reached a point where a team of just five individuals can establish the entire launch site and rocket, and conduct a launch within a matter of days,” Kemp explained. This team of five handles all on-site tasks – including labor, rocket unloading, setup, and launch operations – while the remainder of the process is managed remotely from mission control in California via cloud technology.

The next step involves refining Rocket 3.3, currently at the Astra factory in California, before undertaking the final orbital test flight with a payload intended for deployment. Following this, Astra plans to continue iterative improvements with each Rocket launch, concentrating on cost reduction and performance enhancement through rapid design and technological evolution.