/sci/ - Science & Math

Probably a kaboom edition

When: 11am AK/3:00pm ET
Stream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ti5dN97qs3w
Launch Site: Pacific Spaceport Complex in Kodiak, Alaska
Payload: 10kg; DOD Prometheus CubeSat & two University of South Florida ARCE-1 cubesats
Rocket: Astra rocket "1 of 3" 3.0

>Why should I care
Astra is a new player in the smallsat launch vehicle game, and if successful this will be their first orbital launch.
>What is this challenge
https://www.darpalaunchchallenge.org

Live coverage: https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/02/29/astra-darpa-launch-challenge-one-mission-status-center/
Astra website: https://astra.com/welcome/

Article: https://spacenews.com/astra-emphasizes-rapid-iteration-in-its-quest-for-low-cost-rapid-launch/
Article: https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/02/24/fresh-out-of-stealth-mode-astra-gearing-up-for-orbital-launch-from-alaska/

>Astra was incorporated in October 2016 and is located in Alameda, California, just east of San Francisco. Astra’s leadership team includes industry and government space veterans Chris Kemp (CEO), Dr. Adam London (CTO), and Chris Thompson (VP, Engineering). Astra currently employees 160 engineers, scientists, technicians, and staff. Focusing on low-cost fabrication techniques and a software-driven approach to manufacturing, the company’s objective is to achieve daily space deliveries of small satellites without rideshare brokering and with minimal launch infrastructure.