![]() ![]() “We’re excited to have our first orbital attempt under our belt,” they wrote. They said despite the failed launch, they’re still happy with the result. “It gives you new information.”Īnd that’s what Astra said in its blog, posted by the company’s founders, Chris Kemp and Adam London. “Every test gives you new data,” Lester said. He called the launch itself a success, even though it didn’t get past its first-stage burn. Lester said it’s too early to tell what caused the crash, which occurred on state land. “We are prepared for these things.The key is public safety, and everything we did to keep the air, waterways and land free from the public is exactly why we do that in conditions like this.” “The launch was terminated early, which is part of our safety process,” Lester said. He said no one was hurt and crews responded quickly to put out the fire. Mark Lester, president of Alaska Aerospace Corporation, was in Kodiak for the launch of Astra’s rocket. ![]() They had left their hunting grounds in the afternoon, to avoid a widespread closure of the area surrounding the spaceport, which routinely takes place before a launch attempt. “I’m glad it didn’t throw any shrapnel this way.” Van Dongen noted that the rocket exploded in the area where they had been hunting. “Holy Mackerel, that’s unbelievable,” he could be heard saying in the background. The video captured Van Dongen’s reaction, after it hit the ground in a loud, fiery explosion. About 20 seconds later, the noise of the rocket’s engines abruptly stopped. Pretty cool,” he said, as the rocket roared straight up into the sky and quickly disappeared against a cloudy backdrop. Eric narrated as he shot video with his cell phone. They drove to a pull-out on the road to the launch complex. Mark Van Dongen and son, Eric, had been out deer hunting nearby and decided to watch the launch on Friday. Mark and Eric Van Dongen witnessed the launch and fiery explosion. Friday evening was clear and crisp in Kodiak, when Astra’s 3.1 rocket lifted off just after 7:00 p.m. ![]()
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