3 ms·
Isn't Astra developing a reusable launch system now?
by promiseofbeans 3y ago
Isn't Astra developing a reusable launch system now?
- panick21_ 3y agoAstra is functionally bankrupt. They ain't developing nuting anytime soon.
- SCM-Enthusiast 3y agothey are selling off their assets and focusing on selling engine that could be "Reusable". I won't hold my breath.
- dotnet00 3y agoThey're running out of money and can't really get the kind of money needed to continue on the rocket R&D, so they're trying to stick to their satellite components business to stay alive until they can attract funding. Plus, they're kind of at a bad point and time in the market as small launch is not as lucrative as they hoped but moving up to medium lift is a big hurdle. So far, SpaceX is the only 'new space' launch company to have managed it, with all other competitors in development hell.
- adastra22 3y agoRocket Lab is doing alright.
- dotnet00 3y agoRocket Lab are in development hell at the moment and while their financials are decent, Electron has had a failure every few launches and Neutron is due NET 2024, but with no news of an Archimedes hot fire, it seems unlikely that we'll see anything before mid 2025. By saying development hell I'm saying that other new space companies other than SpaceX are in that difficult in between point where they're burning cash on developing the rocket without yet being able to sell significant rides and without the leverage of knowing that the government will give you a blank check if you run out of money. The important factor being that small launch doesn't make enough money to fully fund medium launch, there just isn't enough demand for small launch with rideshares being cheaper. However, medium launch can fund more medium launch or even heavy launch, as there is much more demand in the medium weight range.