Astra

Astra is an American aerospace company founded in 2016 and based in Alameda, California, with additional facilities in Sunnyvale and Atwater. The company specializes in developing small, cost-effective rocket launch vehicles and satellite propulsion systems, aiming to support the growing space economy. Astra has created a series of rockets, including Rocket 1, 2, and 3, with Rocket 3.3 achieving the company's first successful orbit in November 2021. The company is currently developing Rocket 4, a larger and more reliable vehicle set to launch in early 2024. Additionally, Astra acquired Apollo Fusion in 2021, enhancing its offerings with the Astra Spacecraft Engine, an ion propulsion system for small satellites. Astra provides launch services for small satellite operators, government agencies, and commercial customers, focusing on affordable and frequent access to space through software-driven automation and vertical integration.