Astra Awarded VADR Contract by NASA

Rhea-AI Summary

Astra Space (NASDAQ: ASTR) has been awarded a five-year, $300 million IDIQ contract from NASA under the VADR Launch Services initiative. This contract allows for the rapid acquisition of launch services for scientific payloads, with launches possible within 12-24 months from task order issuance. This news enhances Astra's partnership with NASA, following already contracted launches for this year. Astra, known for its low-cost launches, aims to provide affordable access to space to meet NASA's evolving science and technology needs.

Positive

• Awarded a five-year, $300 million IDIQ contract from NASA.
• Contract allows for rapid launch service acquisition within 12-24 months.
• Enhances existing relationship with NASA, building on four previously contracted launches for this year.
• Astra offers one of the lowest cost-per-launch services among operational launch providers.

Negative

• None.

Contract provides low-cost mission-driven launch to NASA

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Astra Space, Inc. (“Astra”) (Nasdaq: ASTR), today announced the award of the Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) Launch Services Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for future task orders, which have not yet been issued. This contract has a five-year ordering period with a maximum total value of $300 million and will be managed by the Launch Services Program at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This new contract is in addition to the four launches NASA has already contracted with Astra for delivery this year.

VADR allows for the rapid acquisition of launch services to meet mission requirements for scientific and research payloads, enabling launch to any orbit within 12-24 months from task order award. Astra’s launch system offers affordable dedicated access to space aimed at serving customers like NASA to support their science and technology needs.

“We are incredibly excited to announce the awardees for VADR from a broad range of established and emerging launch providers and launch service aggregators and brokers,” said Bradley Smith, director of launch services at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “This speaks to our expertise in understanding the launch market as we crafted VADR to maximize our efforts in enabling a growing U.S. launch industry. With this new tool in our toolbox, these tremendously flexible contracts will meet a wide variety of NASA science and technology needs, further enhancing the agency’s Launch Services Program’s reputation as Earth’s bridge to space.”

“It is an honor to expand our partnership with NASA,” said Martin Attiq, Chief Business Officer of Astra. “This new contract streamlines the contract process and allows Astra to deliver the most cost-efficient dedicated access among proven launch systems more rapidly than before.”

About Astra

Astra’s mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Today, Astra offers one of 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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220127006028/en/

Media Contact:

Kati Dahm

kati@astra.com

Investor Contact:

Dane Lewis

investors@astra.com

Source: Astra Space, Inc.

FAQ

What is the value of Astra's new contract with NASA?

The new contract awarded to Astra by NASA is valued at $300 million.

What is the purpose of the VADR contract awarded to Astra?

The VADR contract allows for the rapid acquisition of launch services for NASA's scientific and research payloads.

How many launches has NASA already contracted with Astra for this year?

NASA has already contracted Astra for four launches this year.

What is the duration of the contract Astra received from NASA?

The contract has a five-year ordering period.

What kind of access to space does Astra provide?

Astra offers affordable dedicated access to space for scientific and technology needs.