Astra Space

Astra Space is an American space company developing launch vehicles and spacecraft electric propulsion systems from its facilities in Alameda and Atwater, California. The company is advancing Rocket 4, a new medium-lift launch vehicle planned for first launch in summer 2026 from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Rocket 4 improves on capability and reliability compared to the previous Rocket 3 series, standing 18.9 meters tall with 1.8 meter diameter and planned payload capacity of 550 kg to 300 km low-Earth orbit or 350 kg to 500 km sun-synchronous orbit. The company is financing Rocket 4 development through military contracts including Space Test Program and Defense Innovation Unit awards, along with spacecraft propulsion system sales.

Astra's Space Products business offers flight-proven electric propulsion systems for satellites, having acquired Apollo Fusion's Hall-effect thruster technology in June 2021. The Astra Spacecraft Engine provides extensive on-orbit flight heritage utilizing Krypton or Xenon propellant for 200-300 kN-s total impulse. The company shipped its first multi-string flight set enabling faster, more agile spacecraft maneuvering with multiple high-efficiency thrusters.

With approximately 125 employees, Astra expects $50 million in revenue from thruster sales, investing excess cash in launch vehicle development. In March 2024, Astra's board agreed for the company to be taken private by its co-founders, enabling focused development of next-generation capabilities. Astra continues building spacecraft propulsion and launch solutions for commercial and government customers.