Author Topic: Astra Space  (Read 405714 times)

Online gongora

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #600 on: 11/23/2021 06:07 pm »
Looks like Astra has an upcoming launch from Florida in the next ~6 months.
1903-EX-ST-2021

Offline Robotical

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #601 on: 11/23/2021 10:21 pm »
Astra becomes the fastest rocket company to reach orbit

TL;DR: iterative development works, blowing things up works.

Unless you only care about the daily stock price. Then you want to avoid failure to the point of not doing anything at all.

Offline Yiosie

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #602 on: 11/24/2021 02:24 am »
Looks like Astra has an upcoming launch from Florida in the next ~6 months.
1903-EX-ST-2021

This is very likely the VCLS Demo-2A mission, which they hope to launch by the end of the year.

From Stephen Clark's article on the LV0007 launch (bolds mine):

Astra reaches orbit for first time, clearing way for commercial launches [dated Nov. 22]

Quote
Astra’s next rocket, LV0008, is “well on its way to being integrated,” Lyon said Monday. Officials said details about the LV0008 launch would be announced soon.

Scott Higginbotham, head of NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative at Kennedy Space Center, said Friday that the space agency is the sole customer for the next Astra launch. The mission is part of NASA’s Venture Class Launch Services, or VCLS, program, which awarded Astra a $3.9 million contract last year for a commercial CubeSat launch.

Astra’s first launch for NASA could happen before the end of the year, according to Higginbotham.

NASA and Astra officials declined to identify the launch site for the VCLS demonstration mission, but multiple sources said the mission is currently slated to fly from pad 46, a commercial launch complex operated by Space Florida at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Offline Ken the Bin

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #603 on: 11/24/2021 04:18 am »
This notice from PSCA doesn't say whether it is Astra, but it is the pad that they use.

Quote from: PSCA
Alaska Aerospace, Pacific Spaceport Complex

Alaska Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska (PSCA) will be conducting a launch from Launch Pad LP-3B at Narrow Cape, Kodiak, Alaska, with a launch azimuth of 172°. Daily launch operations are scheduled between 0500-0830 UTC which is 2000-2330 Alaska Time on December 15th through December 21st, 2021 (local). Mariners are requested to remain clear of the Hazard Areas during the scheduled launch operations.

Offline russianhalo117

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #604 on: 11/24/2021 05:28 am »
This notice from PSCA doesn't say whether it is Astra, but it is the pad that they use.

Quote from: PSCA
Alaska Aerospace, Pacific Spaceport Complex

Alaska Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska (PSCA) will be conducting a launch from Launch Pad LP-3B at Narrow Cape, Kodiak, Alaska, with a launch azimuth of 172°. Daily launch operations are scheduled between 0500-0830 UTC which is 2000-2330 Alaska Time on December 15th through December 21st, 2021 (local). Mariners are requested to remain clear of the Hazard Areas during the scheduled launch operations.
It should be for ABL as they are the next publicly scheduled user for that clean pad.

2021
Late - L2 Aerospace 1, L2 Aerospace 2 - RS1 (ABL space system) [first flight] - Kodiak LP-3B
« Last Edit: 11/24/2021 05:36 am by russianhalo117 »

Offline Fmedici

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #605 on: 11/24/2021 07:30 am »
This notice from PSCA doesn't say whether it is Astra, but it is the pad that they use.

Quote from: PSCA
Alaska Aerospace, Pacific Spaceport Complex

Alaska Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska (PSCA) will be conducting a launch from Launch Pad LP-3B at Narrow Cape, Kodiak, Alaska, with a launch azimuth of 172°. Daily launch operations are scheduled between 0500-0830 UTC which is 2000-2330 Alaska Time on December 15th through December 21st, 2021 (local). Mariners are requested to remain clear of the Hazard Areas during the scheduled launch operations.

It should be for ABL as they are the next publicly scheduled user for that clean pad.

2021
Late - L2 Aerospace 1, L2 Aerospace 2 - RS1 (ABL space system) [first flight] - Kodiak LP-3B

In ABL's STA application they talk about LP-3C

Offline russianhalo117

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #606 on: 11/24/2021 07:50 am »
This notice from PSCA doesn't say whether it is Astra, but it is the pad that they use.

Quote from: PSCA
Alaska Aerospace, Pacific Spaceport Complex

Alaska Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska (PSCA) will be conducting a launch from Launch Pad LP-3B at Narrow Cape, Kodiak, Alaska, with a launch azimuth of 172°. Daily launch operations are scheduled between 0500-0830 UTC which is 2000-2330 Alaska Time on December 15th through December 21st, 2021 (local). Mariners are requested to remain clear of the Hazard Areas during the scheduled launch operations.

It should be for ABL as they are the next publicly scheduled user for that clean pad.

2021
Late - L2 Aerospace 1, L2 Aerospace 2 - RS1 (ABL space system) [first flight] - Kodiak LP-3B

In ABL's STA application they talk about LP-3C
Like SpaceX in Florida the pads within LP-3 complex are interchangeable. It could also be for an unknown defense launch but drop zones at quick glance does not match any known missiles for tests.

[Discussion continues in the ABL RS1 inaugural launch thread.]
« Last Edit: 12/03/2021 04:25 am by zubenelgenubi »

Offline zubenelgenubi

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #607 on: 12/03/2021 04:32 am »
Five December Kennedy/Canaveral launches:
Starlink 4-3
STP-3
IXPE
Turksat 5B
Dragon SpX-24.

This probably means that the Astra Rocket LV0008 launch from LC-46 is delayed into 2022.

https://twitter.com/SLDelta45/status/1466594550705639424
Quote
Congrats to SLD 45 & @SpaceX on this evening’s Starlink 4-3 launch. This launch kicks off what is sure to be a busy December, with 5 launches slated to close out the year. Without the dedication from our teammates, this high ops tempo would not be possible! #SetThePaceForSpace

That could have been phrased a little more clearly, but if I read it as Starlink 4-3 being the first of five launches in December (one of which is ULA) then no pop-up Starlink launches would be in there (which doesn't necessarily mean one couldn't occur).

Edit: Corrected Astra launch designation.
« Last Edit: 12/07/2021 06:15 am by zubenelgenubi »
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Offline brussell

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #608 on: 12/03/2021 08:52 pm »
Five December Kennedy/Canaveral launches:
Starlink 4-3
STP-3
IXPE
Turksat 5B
Dragon SpX-24.

This probably means that the Astra Rocket AV0008 launch from LC-46 is delayed into 2022.


What is the source that AV0008 was going from the Cape?

Offline russianhalo117

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #609 on: 12/03/2021 08:56 pm »
Five December Kennedy/Canaveral launches:
Starlink 4-3
STP-3
IXPE
Turksat 5B
Dragon SpX-24.

This probably means that the Astra Rocket AV0008 launch from LC-46 is delayed into 2022.


What is the source that AV0008 was going from the Cape?
Astra tweet or implication of media is what I recall. The mission tail number is the assigned number per the order shipped  post testing from the factory test stand to the launch site via intermodal containers. There is apparently also a factory number which is internal and includes test articles.
« Last Edit: 12/03/2021 09:03 pm by russianhalo117 »

Offline Yiosie

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #610 on: 12/03/2021 10:07 pm »
Five December Kennedy/Canaveral launches:
Starlink 4-3
STP-3
IXPE
Turksat 5B
Dragon SpX-24.

This probably means that the Astra Rocket AV0008 launch from LC-46 is delayed into 2022.


What is the source that AV0008 was going from the Cape?

LV0008 is launching from the Cape according to SFN, as stated a few posts back:

Looks like Astra has an upcoming launch from Florida in the next ~6 months.
1903-EX-ST-2021

This is very likely the VCLS Demo-2A mission, which they hope to launch by the end of the year.

From Stephen Clark's article on the LV0007 launch (bolds mine):

Astra reaches orbit for first time, clearing way for commercial launches [dated Nov. 22]

Quote
Astra’s next rocket, LV0008, is “well on its way to being integrated,” Lyon said Monday. Officials said details about the LV0008 launch would be announced soon.

Scott Higginbotham, head of NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative at Kennedy Space Center, said Friday that the space agency is the sole customer for the next Astra launch. The mission is part of NASA’s Venture Class Launch Services, or VCLS, program, which awarded Astra a $3.9 million contract last year for a commercial CubeSat launch.

Astra’s first launch for NASA could happen before the end of the year, according to Higginbotham.

NASA and Astra officials declined to identify the launch site for the VCLS demonstration mission, but multiple sources said the mission is currently slated to fly from pad 46, a commercial launch complex operated by Space Florida at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
« Last Edit: 12/03/2021 10:09 pm by Yiosie »

Online gongora

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #611 on: 12/06/2021 01:12 pm »
ASTRA ANNOUNCES LAUNCH FOR NASA FROM CAPE CANAVERAL IN JANUARY
DECEMBER 6, 2021

ALAMEDA, California. December 6, 2021– Astra Space, Inc. (“Astra”) (Nasdaq: ASTR) today announced that it plans to deploy its first satellite in orbit for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in January 2022. The launch from Cape Canaveral will be conducted out of Space Launch Complex 46 (SLC-46) and will be Astra’s first launch out of Cape Canaveral.

“This historic launch site has been prepared for a new commercial launch partner in less than year, which is a tremendous milestone for our combined team, and illustrates how SLD 45 sets the pace for access to space.” said Brigadier General Stephen Purdy, Commander of Space Launch Delta 45 and Director of the Eastern Range. “SLD 45, Space Florida, and Astra have moved at a rapid speed to demonstrate critical and responsive launch capabilities. We are excited to welcome Astra to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.”

Astra and Space Launch Delta 45, a part of the United States Space Force, enabled Astra to launch out of Cape Canaveral in record time – shortening the multi-year approval time to months.

“Launching out of the Cape allows us to serve customers with mid-inclination delivery needs, broadening our market,” said Martin Attiq, Chief Business Officer at Astra. “This is an additional step in our global spaceport strategy and positions us to serve the broad low earth orbit (LEO) market.”

Astra’s launch will be livestreamed in partnership with NASASpaceFlight. Updates will be shared on Astra’s Twitter feed, @astra.

Offline brussell

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #612 on: 12/06/2021 08:13 pm »
What is the source that AV0008 was going from the Cape?

LV0008 is launching from the Cape according to SFN, as stated a few posts back:

Quote
NASA and Astra officials declined to identify the launch site for the VCLS demonstration mission, but multiple sources said the mission is currently slated to fly from pad 46, a commercial launch complex operated by Space Florida at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Thanks. It was the "multiple sources..." part that sounded vague to me. But they were right!

Online gongora

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #613 on: 12/06/2021 09:54 pm »
I guess Astra doesn't intend to take a long break after their launch from Florida.

1952-EX-ST-2021 Near Space Launch, Inc.
Quote
The goal of the S4 CROSSOVER mission, is to obtain flight heritage testing for a prototype
payload host platform. Features that will be tested for use in supporting future payloads, include a
Globalstar transmitter and an Iridium transceiver, as well space environmental instruments to
characterize the radiation and plasma densities to which the payloads will be exposed. S4
CROSSOVER is self powered and operates independently of the larger Astra launch vehicle
second stage to which it is permanently attached. It demonstrates a platform that may in the future
be used to host payloads; it is an experimental activity.

The Astra rocket, LV009, will be launched from the Pacific Spaceport on Kodiak Island Alaska, No
Earlier Than January 15, 2022, into a circular sun synch orbit at 525 km altitude, 97.5 inclination.
Transmission from the S4 CROSSOVER will begin after second stage engine cutoff, activated by
relays on the launch vehicle, and will operate until demise, which is expected to occur within a few
weeks after launch.

Offline AstroWare

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #614 on: 12/06/2021 10:09 pm »
I guess Astra doesn't intend to take a long break after their launch from Florida.

1952-EX-ST-2021 Near Space Launch, Inc.
Quote
The goal of the S4 CROSSOVER mission, is to obtain flight heritage testing for a prototype
payload host platform. Features that will be tested for use in supporting future payloads, include a
Globalstar transmitter and an Iridium transceiver, as well space environmental instruments to
characterize the radiation and plasma densities to which the payloads will be exposed. S4
CROSSOVER is self powered and operates independently of the larger Astra launch vehicle
second stage to which it is permanently attached. It demonstrates a platform that may in the future
be used to host payloads; it is an experimental activity.

The Astra rocket, LV009, will be launched from the Pacific Spaceport on Kodiak Island Alaska, No
Earlier Than January 15, 2022, into a circular sun synch orbit at 525 km altitude, 97.5 inclination.
Transmission from the S4 CROSSOVER will begin after second stage engine cutoff, activated by
relays on the launch vehicle, and will operate until demise, which is expected to occur within a few
weeks after launch.
How does a 525km circular orbit decay "within a few weeks" after launch? I thought objects at that altitude took more like a few years to decay.

Or does "operate until demise" mean something else besides reentry...?

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Offline harrystranger

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #615 on: 12/08/2021 11:31 am »
Space Launch Delta 45 had submitted a permit (now withdrawn https://permitting.sjrwmd.com/ep/#/prmtInfo?curId=&hdr=1&usrId=0&offclId=24246&seqNo=3), regarding the water deluge system for Rocket 3.
In the documents, it's noted that "Astra Aerospace, will be launching small rockets at SLC 46 in the next
two years for up to 12 times per year
" as shown in the screenshot below.

Whether they live up to that cadence is another thing, but hopefully this is a good sign for many upcoming cape launches  :)

Online gongora

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #616 on: 12/08/2021 02:01 pm »
How does a 525km circular orbit decay "within a few weeks" after launch? I thought objects at that altitude took more like a few years to decay.

Or does "operate until demise" mean something else besides reentry...?

Maybe the payload runs on batteries and can't recharge.

Offline Skyrocket

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #617 on: 12/08/2021 02:59 pm »
How does a 525km circular orbit decay "within a few weeks" after launch? I thought objects at that altitude took more like a few years to decay.

Or does "operate until demise" mean something else besides reentry...?

Maybe the payload runs on batteries and can't recharge.

No, the payload runs on solar cells.

https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/s4-crossover.htm

Offline MostlyHarmless

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #618 on: 12/08/2021 07:34 pm »
How does a 525km circular orbit decay "within a few weeks" after launch? I thought objects at that altitude took more like a few years to decay.

Or does "operate until demise" mean something else besides reentry...?

Maybe the payload runs on batteries and can't recharge.

No, the payload runs on solar cells.

https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/s4-crossover.htm

From what I've been able to find, the payload remains attached to the second stage.  I haven't come across any info that discusses deorbit of Astra's second stage.  Running a basic orbital decay time model shows that something this size/mass would take anywhere from 6-15 years with low solar activity or 1-4 years with high solar activity. 

So, it'll be around long after the design life has passed.  As for the demise after a few weeks, I can only guess that they didn't need to collect more than that amount of data -- and building it more robust was either not needed or cost prohibitive. 

Online gongora

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Re: Astra Space
« Reply #619 on: 12/14/2021 03:47 am »
Myriota made an FCC filing regarding their new Lemur based 3U satellites.
SAT-APL-20211213-00190
Quote
The 36 satellites will be launched into six (6) equally spaced, sun-synchronous orbital planes at a planned altitude between 500 and 550km, with the satellites ultimately equally spaced within each circular orbital plane and each orbital plane being separated by two (2) hours of LTDN. The launches will take place between June and December 2022 on a combination of rideshare and dedicated launch vehicles. It is anticipated that the launch vehicles will include the SpaceX Falcon 9 and the Astra Rocket v4. This is subject to revision based on launch availability, but the anticipated orbital parameters will not change.

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