A rocket belonging to the up-and-coming Astra space company failed to deliver two of NASA's weather- tracking satellites to space after its second stage engine shut down early. The two satellites were lost due to the failure.
An upper stage failure occurred about 10 minutes into the flight of the launch vehicle. NASA sent six TROPICS satellites into space in order to keep better track of tropical storms. Researchers at colleges and universities often build cubeSats.
We had a nominal first stage flight. The upper stage shut down early and we did not deliver the payloads to orbit. We have shared our regrets with @NASA and the payload team. More information will be provided after we complete a full data review.
— Astra (@Astra) June 12, 2022
The upper stage shut down early and we didn't deliver the cargo to the space station. We have apologized to the NASA team. Thomas Zurbuchen, the associate administrator for NASA's science division, acknowledged the failed launch but was still optimistic, noting it still offered a great opportunity for new science and launch capabilities.
It is not clear if or when NASA will launch the remaining TROPICS satellites or if they will be replaced. NASA didn't reply immediately to the request for comment.
In February, Astra and NASA collaborated to bring a set of cubesats to space. The rocket seemed to spin out of control after it was launched.
Out of seven attempts, the company has only had two successful launches, one in November and the other in March. Problems with its guidance system are just one of the issues that have impacted the other launches.
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