T+196: Checking In on Small Launch with Firefly Alpha, Astra LV0006

Last week, Firefly made their first flight attempt of Alpha, and Astra launched their latest vehicle, LV0006. Though both ended in failure, it’s a good time to check in on them and other small launchers that will debut soon like, ABL’s RS1 and Relativity’s Terran 1, and how they may all compete with each other.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 42 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Melissa, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Ryan, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, Moritz, Joel, Jan, David, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Matt, The Astrogators at SEE, Chris, Aegis Trade Law, Fred, Hemant, Dawn Aerospace, and seven anonymous—and 662 other supporters.TopicsFirefly Alpha failure blamed on premature engine shutdown - SpaceNewsJack Beyer (@thejackbeyer) / TwitterFirefly Alpha FLTA001 - YouTubeFirefly partners with Aerojet Rocketdyne, mulls AR1 engine for Beta launch vehicle - SpaceNewsT+177: NASA VCLS 2, Relativity, Astra, and Firefly - Main Engine Cut OffAstra Rocket 3.3 launch fails - SpaceNewsAstra Conducts Test Launch | AstraLockheed Martin makes block buy of launches from ABL Space Systems - SpaceNewsLockheed Martin pitching mid-size satellite bus to DoD for remote sensing  - SpaceNewsABL, Astra, Relativity selected to compete for U.S. Space Force responsive launch contracts - SpaceNewsVirgin Orbit to expand launch business, move into satellite services - SpaceNewsRelativity raises $650 million round, announces Terran R rocket - SpaceNewsRelativity to open a huge factory that measures up to its grand ambitions | Ars TechnicaThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @WeHaveMECOListen to MECO HeadlinesJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterBuy shirts and Rocket Socks from the Main Engine Cut Off ShopMusic by Max JustusArtwork photo by ESA