Tag Archives: Mark Lester

Explosion during Astra launch rehearsal results in damage and small fire

An unexpected error during a rocket launch rehearsal caused a small brush fire and damage to launch facilities at the Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak on Monday. Alaska Aerospace CEO Mark Lester reported the “anomaly” caused an explosion on Launch Pad B at 2 p.m. Monday afternoon. No staff were present at the pad during the rehearsal and there were …

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BREAKING: “Anomaly” at Pacific Spaceport Complex launch rehearsal, no injuries as a result

The Pacific Spaceport Complex reported an “anomaly” on a launch pad during a rocket launch dress rehearsal on Monday. The anomaly did not result in any injuries, according to Alaska Aerospace CEO Mark Lester. Reached shortly after the incident, Lester said “I can confirm we had an anomaly on the launch pad. We are executing our emergency checklist. We request …

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Astra CEO keeps expectations low for upcoming DARPA challenge launch

Astra CEO Chris Kemp is keeping expectations low for the company’s upcoming launch at the Pacific Spaceport Complex on Narrow Cape. “We’re taking a rocket that’s never flown before and we’re attempting to reach orbit. So it’s an incredibly difficult challenge and we’re trying to lower expectations as much as possible that we’ll get everything right the first time,” he …

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Astra planning to return to Kodiak for a launch at Narrow Cape this month

A California-based rocket start-up company called Astra is coming back to Kodiak for a launch at Narrow Cape this month. Until last week Astra was still operating under “stealth mode,” meaning they weren’t publicizing their activities or announcing their involvement in previous Kodiak launches. Multiple tech and business profiles of the recently unveiled company have characterized Astra as a fast-paced …

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Pacific Spaceport Complex — Alaska planning fall commercial launches, looking at 10 more next year

The Pacific Spaceport Complex — Alaska wrapped up a series of defense-contracted launches this summer and is looking ahead to a busy schedule this fall and into next year. The state-owned Alaska Aerospace Corporation (AAC) operates the launch complex on Kodiak’s Narrow Cape. Its launch history involves primarily federal government contracts, though in recent years, the corporation has stressed they’re …

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Dunleavy appoints board members for Alaska Aerospace Corporation and Alaska Railroad Corporation

Gov. Mike Dunleavy made board appointments for two state-owned corporations, according to a statement released on Tuesday evening. Dunleavy appointed former Alaska Lt. Gov. Craig Campbell to the “business owner/manager” seat on the Alaska Railroad Corporation board. He also tapped retired Air Force Col. John “Jack” Anthony for the Alaska Aerospace Corporation board. Campbell formerly served as lieutenant governor under …

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Alaska Aerospace discusses payments in lieu of taxes, dividends, in public meeting

Alaska Aerospace Corporation held a public meeting last night at the Kodiak Convention Center, to explain next steps in their Master Plan, including a policy to start making payments to the borough and state. Alaska Aerospace Corporation launch facility on Narrow Cape. (Photo courtesy of Alaska Aerospace Corporation) The policy allows the board to allocate up to 20 percent of …

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