Astra aims for rapid global delivery with Rocket 4 under $44 million DoD contract

Astra, the rocket startup that went private after facing financial difficulties, is developing Rocket 4 under a $44 million contract with the Department of Defense. The goal is to create a mobile launch vehicle capable of delivering cargo globally in under an hour. The company aims for the first test flight in 2026.\Astra plans to use the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) contract to demonstrate rapid point-to-point delivery of about 1,300 pounds of cargo using Rocket 4. The military has shown interest in using rockets for quick deployment of critical supplies to remote locations. Astra is one of several companies selected by DIU for the Novel Responsive Space Delivery project.\The DIU arrangement includes two launch milestones: a suborbital point-to-point launch and an orbital launch, potentially from outside the United States. Astra is developing a mobile launcher for this purpose. The company is working to test stages this year, with the first test launch targeted for early 2026.\The Pentagon contract could mark a comeback for Astra, which faced significant setbacks with its earlier Rocket 3 program. The company went private in July 2024 to focus on Rocket 4 and its satellite propulsion business. Astra's vision is to create a mobile launch system that can be transported and operated from various locations.\One application being explored is the delivery of military drones into conflict zones using suborbital trajectories and reentry vehicles. Astra is in discussions with drone manufacturer Anduril and unnamed reentry vehicle providers for potential demonstrations. This initiative aims to provide rapid-response launch capabilities outside major spaceports.