The Astra Rocket 3 (3.2) Dummy Payload fell back into the Pacific Ocean after a failed launch attempt by the Astra Rocket 3. The “3.2” launch by start-up Astra Space was made at 2055 GMT on 15 December from Kodiak Island, the Pacific Spaceport Complex, Alaska. The first stage fired and separated successfully, however the rocket’s upper stage (second stage) engine apparently shut down about 12 to 15 seconds early when it depleted its kerosene fuel due to a mixture ratio issue. The rocket reached a peak altitude of 390 km but was about 0.5 km/s short of orbital velocity.
Astra rocket launch attempt 3.2 lifts off from Kodiak Island…but it does not make it into orbit. Courtesy: Astra Space
