Astra to Delay New Rocket’s Debut After Cutting 25% of Workforce

Astra Space Inc. expects to delay the first test flights and launches of its next-generation rocket as it slashes its workforce to cut costs and prioritize other projects.

The commercial launch provider has reduced about 25% of its workforce since the start of the current quarter, including 70 job cuts on Aug. 4, according to a statement Friday. The Alameda, California-based company said it also reallocated 50 engineering and manufacturing staff from the company’s launch services program to its initiative aimed at building spacecraft engines.