Veteran Aerospace Leader Joins Astra to Drive Rocket 4 and Expand Responsive Space Access
Alameda, CA – March 21, 2025 – Astra announced today that Dr. Alan Weston has joined the company as Head of Launch Program, bringing decades of leadership in space launch, missile systems, and national defense to deliver the world’s most mobile and manufacturable launch system. Weston’s appointment is aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of Rocket 4, the company’s next-generation orbital launch vehicle. He will lead Astra’s launch engineering, operations, and production teams as the company prepares to return to flight and scale its launch services globally.
Weston previously served as CEO of LTA Research, where he led the development of the world’s first hybrid-electric airship. His career spans roles including Director of Programs at NASA Ames Research Center, Chief Scientist for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, and Director of the Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile (LEAP) program. Across government and industry, he has built and led programs at the intersection of innovation and national security.
“Astra’s team, technology, and vision are unlike anything else in the launch industry,” said Dr. Weston. “I’m honored to join this mission and lead the effort to bring Rocket 4 to the pad — and help unlock a new era of fast, flexible, and affordable access to space.”
Astra made history as the fastest company in U.S. history to reach orbit, doing so just five years after its founding. The company has successfully completed multiple orbital missions, delivering 23 satellites to space for commercial and government customers.
“Alan brings extraordinary technical depth and operational leadership,” said Chris Kemp, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Astra. “He’s led programs at NASA, the Air Force, and cutting-edge private ventures — and now he’s bringing that experience to Astra as we return to the pad with the world’s first tactical launch system designed for scaled launch operations delivered to customers worldwide.”
Astra’s Launch System is designed for unmatched manufacturability, mobility, affordability, and speed to orbit — capable of ultimately launching payloads up to 1,000 kg per dedicated launch. Built for deploy-anywhere operations, Astra requires no infrastructure at the launch location, enabling launches from austere locations on short notice. This capability was recently recognized through a new contract with the DoD’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to advance field-deployable space launch solutions for national security.
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About Astra Space, Inc.
Astra’s mission is to improve life on Earth from space. Astra offers one of the most cost-effective dedicated orbital launch services in the world and sells one of the most efficient and reliable satellite propulsion systems available today — the Astra Spacecraft Engine. Learn more at astra.com.
Forward Looking Statements
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