Astra Conducts Test Launch

Rhea-AI Summary

Astra Space, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTR) conducted a test launch of its vehicle LV0006 on August 28, 2021, at 3:35 PM PT. The launch faced issues as one of its five engines shut down shortly after liftoff, leading to an all-engine shutdown command after approximately 2.5 minutes of flight. The vehicle reached an altitude of about 50 kilometers before returning safely to Earth. Astra will investigate the mishap and integrate findings into future launches, including the upcoming LV0007 currently in production.

Positive

• Astra gathered significant data from the test flight despite not meeting all mission objectives.
• The company plans to apply learnings from this mission to improve future launch vehicles.

Negative

• One of the five engines failed shortly after liftoff, impacting flight performance.
• The range issued an all-engine shutdown command, ending the flight prematurely.

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Astra Space, Inc. (“Astra”) (Nasdaq: ASTR) conducted a test launch of its launch vehicle, LV0006.

The launch vehicle lifted off at 3:35PM PT on Saturday, August 28, 2021. One of the five main engines shut down less than one second after liftoff, causing the vehicle to slowly lift off the pad before resuming its trajectory. After approximately two minutes and thirty seconds of flight, the range issued an all engine-shutdown command, ending the flight. The vehicle achieved an altitude of approximately 50 kilometers, before safely returning to Earth.

“We regret that we were unable to accomplish all mission objectives for the U.S. Space Force; however, we captured a tremendous amount of data from this test flight,” said Chris Kemp, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Astra. “We will incorporate learnings from this test into future launch vehicles, including LV0007, which is currently in production.”

Astra has opened a mishap investigation and is working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

About Astra Space

Astra’s mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Astra’s first flight to space was within 4 years of its inception, making it the fastest company to reach space. Visit www.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. As a result, caution must be exercised in relying on forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements: (i) our failure to meet projected development targets, including as a result of the decisions of governmental authorities or other third parties not within our control; (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 and (vii) other risks and uncertainties discussed from time to time in our other public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210828005021/en/

Media Contact:

Kati Dahm

kati@astra.com

Investor Contact:

Dane Lewis

dane@astra.com

Source: Astra Space, Inc.

FAQ

What happened during Astra's LV0006 test launch on August 28, 2021?

During the test launch of LV0006, one engine shut down shortly after liftoff, leading to an all-engine shutdown command after 2.5 minutes of flight.

How high did Astra's LV0006 vehicle reach during the test?

The LV0006 vehicle achieved an altitude of approximately 50 kilometers before safely returning to Earth.

What are Astra's plans following the LV0006 test flight?

Astra plans to investigate the mishap and incorporate lessons learned into its future launch vehicle, LV0007, which is currently in production.

What time did the LV0006 launch occur?

The LV0006 launch took place at 3:35 PM PT on August 28, 2021.

Which agency is Astra working with regarding the LV0006 incident?

Astra is working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the mishap investigation.