Astra Space reached orbit for the first time on Saturday with its rocket LV0007, joining a small group of privately-funded companies that have achieved the feat.

After getting off the ground cleanly, the rocket passed through each stage of the launch before reaching its target orbit about nine minutes later at an altitude of about 500 kilometers.

companies that have reached orbit with a privately-funded rocket.

The company's rocket is 43 feet tall and fits in the small rocket segment of the launch market.