Astra Space launch scrubbed after aborting first launch attempt

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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The miniature satellites provide a low-cost platform for NASA missions.

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VIDEO: Astra rocket launch on track to lift off from the Space Coast Monday afternoon VIDEO: Astra rocket launch on track to lift off from the Space Coast Monday afternoon (WFTV)

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