Space contractor plans maiden flight for carrier rockets

Astra Space has lifted its LV0006 launch vehicle to the launchpad at the Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island, Alaska, and plans to attempt its maiden flight by the end of the month

Astra Space is preparing to launch its first LV0006 rocket from the Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island, Alaska, the company announced on Monday. If successful, the launch will mark a major milestone for Astra, which has been developing the LV0006 for several years and hopes to use it to provide low-cost launch services for small satellites.

Astra has not yet announced a specific launch date, but said it plans to attempt the flight by the end of the month. The launch window opens on August 28 and closes on September 3, so there is plenty of time for the company to complete the necessary preparations.

The LV0006 is a two-stage rocket that is designed to launch small satellites into low Earth orbit. The rocket is powered by five kerosene-fueled engines on its first stage and a single kerosene-fueled engine on its second stage. The LV0006 is 38 feet tall and has a diameter of 5 feet.

Astra has been developing the LV0006 for several years and has conducted multiple test flights of the rocket. In February, the company successfully launched a test flight of the LV0006 from the Pacific Spaceport Complex, but the rocket failed to reach orbit.

Despite the setback, Astra is confident that the LV0006 is ready for its maiden flight. The company has made several improvements to the rocket since the February test flight, and it is now confident that the rocket is capable of reaching orbit.