Astra rocket launch: Payloads were ‘not delivered to orbit’

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — 3:25 p.m. update:

Astra said it experienced an issue during Thursday’s launch, resulting in payloads not being delivered into orbit.

The company apologized to NASA in a tweet:

We experienced an issue during today's flight that resulted in the payloads not being delivered to orbit.

We are deeply sorry to our customers @NASA and the small satellite teams. More information will be provided after we complete a data review.
— Astra (@Astra) February 10, 2022

Previous story:

Astra officials hope the third time’s a charm as they attempt to launch their first rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Thursday.

The space company will now attempt to launch a Rocket 3.3 carrying a batch of CubeSats, or miniature satellites, Thursday at 3 p.m.

>>>WATCH LAUNCH LIVE <<<

Launch attempt update: @NASA’s ELaNa 41 mission is scheduled for Thurs., Feb. 10. Launch window opens at 12:00pm PT / 3:00pm ET (20:00 UTC). pic.twitter.com/pE1mZo0jRv
— Astra (@Astra) February 9, 2022

Read: Astra scrubs rocket launch from the Read: Space Coast for a 2nd time on Monday

On Monday, Astra was forced at the last second to abort its second launch attempt due to a” minor telemetry issue.”

Astra’s first launch for NASA was originally scheduled for Feb. 5 but was scrubbed after issues with the launch range radar system.

Read: Astra rocket launch from Florida’s Space Coast delayed until Monday

Astra Space is one of two companies chosen by NASA to launch the miniature satellites as the space agency looks to increase its role in space exploration, research and education.

Astra is thrilled to be the first company with a Part 450 launch license — streamlining launch licenses in the future. Thank you @faanews for the partnership in support of our goal to expand access to space: https://t.co/IUnLj8V3v4 #AdAstra
— Astra (@Astra) February 5, 2022

Astra’s Rocket 3, which stands just 43 feet tall, was built to carry smaller payloads to orbit in an effort to expand access to space.

You can stream the launch live here as it happens.

VIDEO: Astra scrubs rocket launch from the Space Coast for a 2nd time on Monday VIDEO: Astra scrubs rocket launch from the Space Coast for a 2nd time on Monday (Melonie Holt, WFTV.com/WFTV)

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