Astra Attains Unprecedented Orbital Heights

Airbus Ventures Applauds Major Multi-Stage Achievement

Rocket 3.2 lifts off from the Alaskan coast, attaining unprecedented orbital heights on December 15th. (Source: Astra / John Kraus)

MENLO PARK, Calif.--()--Soaring into 2021, Astra – proving its readiness to trailblaze a campaign of frequent and recurrent low-cost rocket launches - successfully reached orbital space with its multi-stage Rocket 3.2. Astra’s December 15th ascent to the elite ranks of private space operators marks more than a major milestone: it heralds a next-generation disruption of the launch services business, set to cascade a host of new customer opportunities for affordability and agility of access to space.

“Astra has successfully optimized one of the most complex engineering systems ever built by humankind, catalyzing the validation sequence required to design and manufacture launch vehicles at an industry-defining rhythm,” explains Airbus Ventures Managing Partner, Thomas d’Halluin. “Beginning the new year on an exceptionally high note, Astra now sets a new standard for speed and flexibility across the stack - unleashing waves of promising innovation from ground infrastructure to whole new arrays of spacecraft.”

Rocket 3.2, a highly automated launch vehicle, provided the proof-of-concept essential to ramp up the company’s go-to-market strategy. The rocket’s hardware and software performed exceptionally well, providing the real-life data to fine-tune and perfect the mix of fuel and oxidizer, using standard software adjustments.

“Astra can now begin delivering services to a growing customer base. Effective immediately, we are executing plans to accelerate rocket production and launch operations,” noted CEO and Founder Chris Kemp.

A fast-rising star in a multi-trillion dollar market, Astra is currently offering direct online reservations for orbital deliveries to sun synchronous, mid, and low inclination destinations.

“After screening dozens of companies, it was clear - Astra stands out,” Airbus Ventures Partner, Dr. Lewis Pinault echoed. “Their suis generis and systematic approach to mass manufacturing and bill-of-materials controls, coupled with their uniquely efficient engine and parts designs, ushers in a new era of spacecraft capabilities. In Astra we’re proud to have found a remarkable and successful new leader.”

A newly minted NASA mission partner, and already now readying its next succession of fully optimized launches, Astra is set to define a whole new chapter in the use and exploration of space in 2021 and beyond.

About Astra

Astra's mission is to observe, connect, and enrich life on Earth by providing the space ecosystem with frequent, reliable, and on-demand launch services. Composed of a talented team of engineers, designers, fabricators, and operators, Astra is committed to reshaping how the space industry works. By offering dedicated, point-to-point space delivery, Astra is enabling a wave of innovation in low Earth orbit. To learn more, visit: https://astra.com.

About Airbus Ventures

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, with offices in Toulouse and Tokyo, Airbus Ventures is a fast-moving, early-stage venture capital company that independently funds and supports startups impacting the aerospace industry. Airbus Ventures has helped aspiring innovators reach new dimensions of achievement since 2015. To learn more, visit: https://airbusventures.vc.

Contacts

Martin Attiq
martin@astra.com

Orli Robin
orli@airbusventures.vc

Contacts

Martin Attiq
martin@astra.com

Orli Robin
orli@airbusventures.vc