On October 12, 2021, Astra announced that a launch window would open on October 27, 2021, for a commercial orbital launch on behalf of the United States Space Force (USSF) from the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Kodiak, Alaska (the “Spaceport”).
While the company is ready to begin launch preparations for LV0007, the Spaceport has informed the company that they have not yet completed some planned improvements for the range. As a result, Astra will not be able to complete the preparations for a launch of LV0007 until some time during the second segment of this launch window, starting on November 5, 2021.
Many different factors influence when the firm can launch, including factors driven by third parties over whom there is no direct company control. Astra set a launch window that would allow the firm to evaluate these factors and ensure that conditions are optimal for a launch. As a result, Astra may not attempt a launch on the first day of a launch window if conditions are not optimal for a launch. When a launch attempt is scheduled, the company will update their website with the date and time.
When the phrase “commercial orbital launch” is used, Astra means a launch conducted under an FAA commercial launch license.