Max Q: Astra's Rocket Launch Failure

Space News Recap: Max Q Newsletter Highlights

Max Q is a regular newsletter published by TechCrunch, dedicated to covering the latest developments in the space industry. Interested readers can subscribe to receive it directly in their inbox every Monday.

Recent Launch Activity

The past week saw several launch attempts. Notably, SpaceX resumed launches after a period of reduced activity. This marked their first mission following a relatively extended pause in operations.

Astra Space also aimed to successfully deploy its first commercial payload. Unfortunately, the mission experienced a significant anomaly during liftoff, resulting in a visually striking and unusual launch failure.

Astra's Launch Incident

The Astra launch did not proceed as planned. Instead of a successful orbital insertion, the event was characterized by a dramatic and publicly visible takeoff mishap, adding to the history of private spaceflight incidents.

This event highlights the inherent risks and challenges associated with space travel and the complexities of achieving reliable orbital access.

Astra’s Recent Launch Encountered Issues, Followed by Partial Recovery

Image Credits: Astra

Astra initiated its launch sequence from Kodiak, Alaska, marking its initial attempt following a near-successful orbital test conducted the previous year. All engines ignited as intended; however, a rapid engine failure occurred shortly thereafter.

This initial malfunction caused the rocket to nearly lose stability, tilting precariously before assuming a horizontal trajectory. Remaining engines then adjusted power distribution, eventually enabling the vehicle to begin ascending.

The fact that the Astra rocket didn’t immediately suffer catastrophic failure is noteworthy, despite the ultimate outcome. The rocket achieved an altitude of approximately 160,000 feet before flight engineers from Astra initiated an abort sequence.

Following engine cutoff, the vehicle returned to Earth safely. This launch represented a setback, as it constituted Astra’s first planned commercial flight, carrying a test payload for the U.S. Space Force.

Despite being designated as a commercial endeavor, the mission retained elements of a test flight. Astra reports that significant and valuable data was collected during the approximately 2.5 minutes of flight prior to the abort command.

News of the incident impacted Astra’s stock price following the company’s recent public offering. However, the crucial factor for Astra’s future success will be the duration of the recovery period and the outcome of the subsequent launch attempt.

Key Takeaways from the Launch

Initial engine failure caused instability.
The rocket reached an altitude of 160,000 feet.
Astra gathered valuable data during the flight.
The launch was Astra’s first commercial mission.

The company’s ability to analyze the data and implement corrective measures will be paramount. A successful follow-up mission is essential for demonstrating the reliability of the Astra rocket.

SpaceX Inaugurates New Landing Platform

Image Credits: SpaceX

SpaceX’s latest mission marked a return to operational flights under the Commercial Resupply Services program for NASA, delivering essential supplies to the International Space Station. The mission proceeded without issue, consistent with SpaceX’s established performance.

Among the transported items was a newly developed robotic arm intended for installation on the station. Furthermore, the cargo manifest included a variety of scientific experiments, notably a colony of live ants.

This launch also represented the inaugural deployment of SpaceX’s newest autonomous drone ship, named “A Shortfall of Gravitas.”

This vessel is the third of its kind within SpaceX’s fleet. The booster’s landing on the drone ship was executed flawlessly, resulting in a successful recovery of the first-stage booster utilized during the flight.

Blue Origin Conducts Uncrewed Suborbital Flight

Image Credits: Blue Origin

Blue Origin successfully executed the 17th mission of its New Shepard reusable rocket. This particular flight differed from previous endeavors, notably lacking the presence of Jeff Bezos.

In contrast to the inaugural human spaceflight, this mission did not carry any passengers within the capsule. However, a diverse array of scientific experiments were onboard.

Payload Details and NASA Collaboration

Among the experiments transported was a component of a NASA experimental landing system. This system is intended for future use with the agency’s lunar landing vehicle.

It’s noteworthy that Blue Origin is currently engaged in legal action against NASA. The dispute centers around the agency’s selection process for the human lander contract.

Earlier this year, NASA chose SpaceX as the sole provider for the lunar lander vehicle, prompting Blue Origin’s challenge.

Ongoing Legal Dispute

The subtext of this flight highlights the complex relationship between Blue Origin and NASA. Despite the ongoing lawsuit, collaboration continues on specific projects.

This mission demonstrates Blue Origin’s continued commitment to suborbital spaceflight and its role in supporting NASA’s lunar exploration initiatives.

Rocket Lab Enters Public Market

Image Credits: Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab has commenced trading as a publicly listed company, utilizing the ticker symbol RKLB on the Nasdaq exchange following a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) merger.

This event marks a significant milestone, representing one of the most substantial privately held space enterprises to become publicly accessible through any method.

Aria Alamalhodaei, a member of our team, recently interviewed Peter Beck, the founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, to gain insights into the company’s operations and the implications of its public market status.

In related news, ispace is developing an expanded lunar lander designed for extended operation on the Moon.

The current, smaller lander configuration is not engineered for prolonged survival during lunar nights.

This limitation stems from the rapid depletion of its power reserves and the detrimental effects of extremely low temperatures on electronic components.

Lunar Lander Enhancements

The new lander aims to overcome these challenges, enabling longer-duration missions on the lunar surface.

ispace is focused on creating a more resilient system capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of the lunar environment.

TC Sessions: Space Returns This December

Following the success of our inaugural space-focused event last year, we are pleased to announce its return in 2021. This year’s conference, TC Sessions: Space, will be held on December 14th and 15th.

The event will again be conducted entirely online, ensuring global accessibility for attendees worldwide. Participation is open to everyone interested in the space industry.

What to Expect at TC Sessions: Space

This virtual conference provides a unique platform for engaging with leading figures in the space technology sector. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the latest advancements and trends.

Expect insightful discussions on the future of space exploration.
Networking opportunities with industry professionals will be available.
Gain valuable knowledge regarding emerging space technologies.

TC Sessions: Space aims to foster collaboration and innovation within the rapidly evolving space ecosystem. It’s a chance to connect with the brightest minds shaping the future of space travel and technology.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a pivotal event in the space industry. Register now to secure your virtual spot!