Continuing the iterative path toward reaching orbit, Astra attempted its third orbital launch on Aug. 28. The first Rocket 3.3 vehicle, designated LV0006, lifted off on Saturday, Aug. 28 at 3:35 PM PDT (22:35 UTC). Less than one second after liftoff, an engine on the first stage failed, causing a sideways ascent off the pad. LV0006 temporarily recovered and reached approximately 50 km altitude before the range commanded the remaining engines to shut down, ending the mission.
This was Astra’s first launch with a payload onboard, albeit only a mass simulator. This test payload was part of the STP-27AD1 mission for the United States Space Force’s Space Test Program. The goal of the flight was to demonstrate Astra’s orbital launch capability.