Astra, the rocket startup that went private last year, has revealed details of its $44 million contract with the Department of Defense (DoD). This contract supports the development of Rocket 4, a two-stage, mobile launch vehicle designed for rapid global cargo delivery within an hour.
The company aims for the first test flight of Rocket 4 in 2026. Chris Kemp, Astra’s chief executive, stated in an interview that the company will use its contract with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to demonstrate point-to-point delivery of approximately 1,300 pounds of cargo using Rocket 4. The military's interest in using rockets for rapid deployment to remote locations is well-documented. Astra is among several companies selected by DIU for the Novel Responsive Space Delivery project, focused on prototyping commercial solutions for precise point-to-point delivery.
A DIU spokesperson confirmed the arrangement includes two launch milestones: a suborbital (point-to-point) launch and an orbital launch, with the option of launching from outside the United States. “This is a multi-year effort with the two demonstrations planned around the mid to end of calendar year 2026,” DIU said. Kemp indicated the orbital launch will likely take place in Australia. The timeline is aggressive, with Kemp stating, “we are working hard to have stages tested this year, targeting no earlier than the end of Q1 2026 for first test launch.” A separate military payload, Space Test Program STP-27B, is scheduled for launch no earlier than Q3 2026.
Astra’s funding for Rocket 4 comes from private investment and its satellite propulsion business. The project’s ambition mirrors ABL Space’s unsuccessful attempt to create a truly mobile launch system. Kemp highlighted one application: using suborbital trajectories to deliver military drones to conflict zones via reentry vehicles. He noted ongoing discussions with drone manufacturer Anduril for potential collaboration, as well as talks with unnamed reentry vehicle providers. The Pentagon's desire for rapid-response launch capabilities outside major spaceports is well-known.
This contract represents a potential resurgence for Astra, which overcame early launch failures and a significant stock decline. The company went private in July 2024, retiring the Rocket 3 program to focus on Rocket 4 and its satellite propulsion business.