During August aspiring launch provider Astra Space has announced two new launch contracts and its next orbital attempt later in the month.
On 5 August it was awarded a dual contract to conduct two launches carrying United States Space Force (USSF) technology demonstration satellites. The first payload carried is known as “STP-27AD1” and is reportedly part of the Space Test Program. Further details about the satellite are unknown. The second part contracts Astra to conduct a second launch later this year carrying another payload – a designation for this second satellite is not yet known.
The first mission is planned to take place in late-August from the Kodiak Spaceport, Southern Alaska. The window for this launch stretches from 27 August – 11 September.
Spire
Astra received a launch contract from CubeSat constellation operator Spire Global to launch some of its satellites on 12 August. Details of the contract were left out of the announcement, such as number of satellites/launches and contract value however, it does state the first mission is planned for “next Spring”.
