(ORDO NEWS) — The failed Astra rocket launch resulted in the loss of two NASA meteorological satellites. They were supposed to help track tropical storms and weather, but the mission was aborted due to a glitch.
The launch was part of NASA’s mission to send six satellites into space. CubeSats are low cost satellites often built by researchers at colleges and universities.
What happened to the rocket
- The Astra 0010 (LV0010) launch vehicle successfully lifted off from Space Force Station at Cape Canaveral in Florida at 1:43 pm ET.
- After about 10 minutes of flight, the upper stage failed.
- The reason is called premature shutdown of the engine of the second stage.
“We had a nominal first stage flight. The upper stage shut down early and we did not deliver the payload to orbit.
We have shared our regret with NASA and the payload team. More details will be provided once we have completed a full analysis of the data. “
Thomas Zurbuchen, deputy administrator of NASA’s science department, acknowledged the failed launch on Twitter , but says that even such an event provides excellent opportunities for new science and launch opportunities.
It is not clear if NASA will also launch the remaining satellites from Astra, or if it will now choose another company. It is also unclear when or if the two lost satellites will be replaced at all.
Astra collaborates with NASA for the first time. So far, the company has only had two successful orbital launches out of seven attempts. Astra first entered orbit in November last year.
Then she successfully launched the customer’s satellites into orbit. Other launches have been affected by a range of problems ranging from guidance system failures to engine failure.
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