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Launch FailureAstra Space

Astra Rocket 3: TROPICS-1

First two operational (TROPICS-02 & TROPICS-03) satellites for NASA's Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation Structure and Storm Intensity with a Constellation of SmallSats (TROPICS) mission. The CubeSats are designed to provide rapid-refresh microwave measurements that can be used to determine temperature, pressure, and humidity inside hurricanes as they form and evolve.

Failure:Premature second stage shutdown. Cause is not yet known.
Sunday, 12 June 2022
Astra Rocket 3: TROPICS-1

Mission Data

Astra Space
🇺🇸Astra SpaceEst. 2005
Launch VehicleAstra Rocket 3
Vehicle FamilyAstra Rocket
Vehicle Record2 of 7 launches (28.6%)
Provider TypeCommercial
Agency Record2 successes / 5 failures (29%)
Mission TypeEarth Science
Target OrbitLow Earth Orbit
Launch PadSpace Launch Complex 46
Location🇺🇸 Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA USA
Orbital Launches This Year#64
Agency Launches This Year#3
Launches From This Pad6
Launches From This Site1,132
Status Note

Either the launch vehicle did not reach orbit, or the payload(s) failed to separate.

About Astra Rocket 3

Astra Rocket 3.0 is the third version and first orbital version of Astra Space's small satellite launch vehicle. It is designed to carry 100kg in LEO.

Launch updates

  1. Second stage shut down prematurely resulting in the loss of the mission.

  2. Liftoff

  3. Hold released. New T-0 of 17:43 UTC

  4. Holding again at T-01:30

  5. Hold released, new T-0 of 16:12 UTC

  6. Holding due to boats in the hazard area.

  7. Webcast live

  8. Weather 40% favourable at the opening of the window, trending towards 10% at the end.

    Source ↗

  9. T-0 and window confirmed by Astra

    Source ↗

  10. Adjusting window

    Source ↗

Launch Site

Space Launch Complex 46 · 28.4584°N 80.5284°W

Launch data from Launch Library 2 by The Space Devs.