KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — UPDATE 3:15 p.m.: Astra Space announced it has scrubbed its launch attempt for Monday. Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates on their next attempt.
Standing down today due to a minor telemetry issue. We are giving the team time to complete a thorough review and will provide an update on the next launch opportunity for @NASA’s ELaNa 41 mission soon #AdAstra
— Astra (@Astra) February 7, 2022
UPDATE 1:53 p.m.: The rocket failed to launch on its first attempt. Officials said they have time within the launch window for a second attempt. The launch window is open until 4 p.m. Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates.
Abort at T-0. Teams are currently reviewing. We have time to try again. Stay tuned.
— Astra (@Astra) February 7, 2022
ORIGINAL STORY: Astra Space’s first rocket launch from Florida’s Space Coast is set to lift off Monday afternoon after calling off Saturday’s attempt due to a launch range radar system issue.
Monday’s launch lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station with a launch window that goes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. EST.
READ: FDA warns against E25Bio COVID-19 tests
According to its website, Astra, founded in 2016, aims to offer the “lowest cost-per-launch dedicated orbital launch service of any operational launch provider in the world.”
Astra delivered its first commercial payload into Earth orbit in 2021, and has conducted a handful of successful launched from the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Alaska and
Read: Astra rocket launch from Florida’s Space Coast delayed until Monday
Astra is the first launch provider to receive a Part 450 license from the FAA. It’s an expedited license that allows for a higher launch cadence and greater flexibility.
NASA chose Astra Space and two other companies to launch miniature satellites to increase its role in exploration, technology, research and education.
🚀 It's launch day for @NASA's ELaNa 41 mission! Live coverage with @NASASpaceFlight begins at T-60 minutes. 3 hour launch window opens at 10:00am PT ➡️ 1:00pm ET (18:00 UTC).
— Astra (@Astra) February 7, 2022
📺 Watch: https://t.co/Ze8WlLbkB6 #AdAstra pic.twitter.com/PqCs2oUWIu
This launch will be part of NASA’s Venture Class Launch Services Demo 2 mission.
Small satellites, including CubeSats, are playing an increasingly larger role in exploration, technology demonstration, scientific research, and educational investigations at NASA.
Read: Man charged with murder in shooting at Florida grocery store
Launch update: @NASA’s ELaNa 41 mission is scheduled for Mon., Feb. 7. Launch window opens at 10:00am PT ➡️ 1:00pm ET (06:00pm UTC). pic.twitter.com/DzyzO7scc7
— Astra (@Astra) February 7, 2022
Read: FHP: Driver hits and kills construction worker, flees in Lake Nona
The miniature satellites provide a low-cost platform for NASA missions.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2022 Cox Media Group
