While Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Jeff Bezo’s Blue Origin and Richard Branson’s $SPCE have dominated the headlines in regards to space flight and payload transportation, investors should take note of small rocket launch company $ASTR making noise.

After hours today, it was announced that Astra was awarded the US Space Force’s Orbital Services Program - 4 contract. This contract allows for the US Space Force to contract with Astra to launch a payload over 400 lbs into orbit between 12-24 months out. While $ASTR is not the sole beneficiary of this contract, it highlights the governments confidence in the company to be able to supply reasonably priced and safe orbital transport of vital government equipment. The news of this announcement propelled the stock up over 14% currently after hours.

Additionally, earlier in August, the United States Space Force announced that it had selected $ASTR to service a multiple launch contract for orbital transport and had scheduled the first commercial test launch for the company to take place of August 27th. A second launch has already been scheduled for later this year.

The stock has been on a tear over the last week, up more than 31% over the last 5 days.

$ASTR was previously listed under the ticket $HOL and has recently undergone the de-SPAC process, where it dropped to low of $8.12 following a high of over $22.

With its first earnings call scheduled on August 12th after hours, this will be one that I will closely be watching. Either way, I am long on the entire space sector, especially companies providing cheap, reliable and frequent trips to orbit for both government and commercial costumers.

If interested in learning more, I highly recommend taking a look at their investor presentation linked below.

Long Space and Long $ASTR

Also on my radar is the de-SPACing for $VACQ and Rocket Lab, another rocket launch company, focused on orbital transport, but also tied in with NASA on missions to Moon, Mars and Venus. I will be looking for an entry point following the closing of the merger expected later this month.