KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — Astra Space’s first rocket launch from Florida was delayed Saturday after issues with a range asset.
9 p.m. update:
Astra Space announced Saturday night that its first Rocket 3.3 launch has been pushed back to Monday.
Update: We are working with the range on the next launch opportunity for @NASA’s ELaNa 41 mission, which is NET Mon., Feb. 7. Details to come.
— Astra (@Astra) February 6, 2022
3:30 p.m. update:
Astra Space said a range asset went out of service and they had to scrub the launch for Saturday.
The company will now attempt to launch the rocket at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Standing down from today's launch of @NASA's ELaNa 41 mission due to a range asset that went out of service. The team is setting up for next opportunity on Sun., Feb 6. Stay tuned. #AdAstra
— Astra (@Astra) February 5, 2022
Channel 9 will continue to monitor the launch and have continuing coverage on Eyewitness News.
3:10 p.m. update:
The livestream of the launch as started. Targeted launch still set for 3:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m. update:
Astra Space said its launch countdown has resumed and live coverage of the rocket launch will start at 2:45 p.m.
The launch is currently set for a 3:30 p.m.
2 p.m. update:
Astra Space said it has placed their launch countdown clock on a hold and will release more details.
The rocket’s launch window is open until 4 p.m.
1 p.m. update:
Astra Space is now planning to launch at 2:10 p.m.
Update: T-0 is now 11:10am PT ➡️ 2:10pm ET (7:10pm UTC). Live coverage will begin ~ approximately 60 minutes prior with @NASASpaceflight at https://t.co/Ze8WlLbkB6 #AdAstra
— Astra (@Astra) February 5, 2022
Original report:
Astra Space is planning to launch its Rocket 3.3 at 1 p.m. Saturday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 46.
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The company received its official launch license on Thursday.
NASA chose Astra Space and two other companies to launch miniature satellites to increase its role in exploration, technology, research and education.
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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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