Astra Announces Launch for NASA from Cape Canaveral in January

Rhea-AI Summary

Astra Space, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTR) is set to conduct its first satellite launch for NASA in January 2022 from Cape Canaveral, marking a historic milestone as the company's initial launch from this site. This rapid deployment showcases Astra's capability to shorten the approval process for commercial launch partners significantly. The launch will bolster Astra's service offerings by expanding mid-inclination delivery capabilities and aligning with the company's global spaceport strategy aimed at addressing the low Earth orbit market.

Positive

• First satellite launch for NASA scheduled for January 2022.
• Successful launch site establishment at Cape Canaveral in record time.
• Expanding market reach with mid-inclination delivery capabilities.

Negative

• Risks related to launch delays or failures.
• Dependence on governmental approvals which could impact schedules.

Astra to begin operating out of second US spaceport

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 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.

SLC-46, Cape Canaveral. Photo credit: John Kraus

“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.

About Astra

Astra’s mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Today, Astra offers 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, making it the fastest company in history to reach this milestone, just five years after it was founded in 2016. Astra (NASDAQ: ASTR) was the first space launch company to be publicly traded on Nasdaq. Visit astra.com to learn more about Astra.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements made in this press release are “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “plan”, “outlook”, and “project” and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements reflect the current analysis of existing information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including Astra’s failure to meet the projected launch targets. As a result, caution must be exercised in relying on forward-looking statements. Due to known and unknown risks, actual results may differ materially from Astra’s expectations or projections including the following factors, among others: (i) delays in projected development and launch targets, including as a result of the decisions of governmental authorities or other third parties not within our control, weather and other suboptimal conditions that may make it difficult to perform a launch attempt; (ii) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (iii) the ability of Astra to meet its financial and strategic goals, due to, among other things, competition; (iv) the ability of Astra to pursue a growth strategy and manage growth profitability; (v) the possibility that Astra may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (vi) the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Astra, (vii) the ability to manage its cash outflows during its pre-revenue business operations and (vii) other risks and uncertainties discussed from time to time in other reports and other public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Astra.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211206005293/en/

Media Contact:

Kati Dahm

kati@astra.com

Investor Contact:

Dane Lewis

investors@astra.com

Source: Astra Space, Inc.

FAQ

When will Astra Space conduct its first satellite launch for NASA?

Astra Space plans to launch its first satellite for NASA in January 2022.

Where is Astra's first launch from?

The first launch will take place from Cape Canaveral, at Space Launch Complex 46.

What is the significance of Astra's launch from Cape Canaveral?

This marks Astra's first launch from Cape Canaveral and allows the company to enhance its service offerings in the mid-inclination delivery market.

How fast did Astra establish its launch site at Cape Canaveral?

Astra, in collaboration with Space Launch Delta 45, established the launch site in less than a year.