Astra Launch targets Thursday for 3rd attempt at rocket launch

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — After scrubbing two previous attempts, Astra is set to try what would be the startup’s first ever launch from the Space Coast for a third time.

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Monday’s launch was aborted at the last second due to a minor telemetry issue.

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They called off the initial launch attempt Saturday due to an issue wit the launch range radar system.

Astra is now targeting Thursday afternoon for the mission. The launch window opens at 3 p.m.

Astra is trying to launch the Elana-41 Mission for NASA. It’s the company’s first operational mission.

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The launch will bring four Cubesats, or tiny satellites, into space for NASA, as well as the University of Alabama, the University of California Berkley, and New Mexico State University.

NASA chose Astra Space and two other companies to launch miniature satellites to increase its role in exploration, technology, research and education.

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.

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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. The company’s launch from the cape will be a major milestone toward fulfilling that objective.

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.”

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