U.S. Space Force Completes First Commercial Orbital Launch

Astra surprised space aficionados this week, when the almost unknown company announced the successful launch of a test payload into orbit on their stripped-down demonstrator rocket. In an industry where press releases resemble musical chairs, rotating new developments from the same handful of brand names, the news caught some unaware. The payload wasn't any commercial test equipment, but a contracted payload for the United States Space Force, launched through a Defense Innovation Unit Other Transaction Agreement. 

Astra's launch system successfully demonstrated their capabilities by placing the load at a 500km orbit, where it soon achieved the required orbital velocity. The feat is a historic milestone for their company, said Chris Kemp, founder of Astra Space, Inc. The STP-27AD2 was conducted from their Kodiak, Alaska Spaceport, marking their entry into the commercial space services market. Founded in 2016 to launch a new generation of services, aimed at lowering the cost-per-launch for orbital placement services, Astra has made its name as the fastest company to go from scratch to orbit. With a few missteps and cancellations along the way, the Rocket 3 is said to be sent directly into production after completing its testing, and several flights lie on the horizon before the transition to Rocket 4.

While Rocket 3 can send a 50kg payload, its successor is slated to carry 200kg into low-earth orbit without a corresponding price increase. With a price point of $3.5 million per launch, Astra boasts some of the most affordable costs in the industry, and the order book to match. In a recent story, Kemp had reported more than 50 outstanding launches on the schedule that can now be worked towards with the demonstration successfully completed. 

FMI: www.astra.com