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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 8, 2023
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
ASTRA SPACE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 85-1270303 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
1900 Skyhawk Street
Alameda, CA 94501
(866) 278-7217
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Chris Kemp
Chief Executive Officer
1900 Skyhawk Street
Alameda, CA 94501
(866) 278-7217
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copy to:
Katheryn A. Gettman, Esq.
Cozen O’Connor P.C.
33 South 6th Street, Suite 3800
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 260-9000
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ☒
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||
Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☒ | |||
Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act. ☐
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment that specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may determine.
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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to completion, dated September 8, 2023
PROSPECTUS
Astra Space, Inc.
$100,000,000
Debt Securities
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Debt Warrants
Equity Warrants
Rights
Units
We may offer and sell up to $100 million in the aggregate of the securities identified from time to time in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides a general description of the securities we may offer.
Each time we offer and sell securities, we will provide a supplement to this prospectus that contains specific information about the offering and the amounts, prices and terms of the securities. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest in any securities.
We may offer and sell these securities directly to our stockholders or to purchasers, or through one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, or through a combination of these methods. If any agents, dealers or underwriters are involved in the sale of any of these securities, the applicable prospectus supplement will provide their names and any applicable fees, commissions or discounts. No securities may be sold without delivery of this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such securities.
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” on page 4 of this prospectus and in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Our Class A Common Stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol “ASTR.” On September 6, 2023, the closing price of our Class A Common Stock was $0.2485 per share.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of the Prospectus is
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This prospectus is a part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange (the “SEC”) using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer to sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus, either individually or in units, in one or more offerings, up to a total dollar amount of $100 million. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer and sell securities under this shelf registration statement, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, you should rely on the prospectus supplement. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, together with additional information described under “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Information Incorporated by Reference.” We may use this prospectus to sell the securities only if it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement. We will not make an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information contained in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement is accurate as of the date on its respective cover, and that any information incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, unless we indicate otherwise. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
References in this prospectus to “Astra,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Astra Space, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
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Overview
Astra’s mission is to improve life on Earth from space® by launching a new generation of space products and services. These products and services are enabled by new constellations of small satellites in Low Earth Orbit (“LEO”), which have rapidly become smaller, cheaper, and many times more numerous than traditional satellites. We believe that frequent, reliable, dedicated launches and space products enabled by scaled manufacturing are the keys to accelerating the growth of the space economy. Currently, our business consists of two segments, a mobile orbital launch system (“Launch Services”) and a space products business that produces the Astra Spacecraft Engine™ products (“Space Products”).
Launch Services
Astra aims to develop and operate a mass-producible dedicated mobile orbital launch system. Our system consists of a small launch vehicle that can be transported inside standard shipping containers and mobile ground launch infrastructure that we designed to be rapidly deployed anywhere in the world we are licensed to operate and where our spaceports are located. This system is designed by Astra and manufactured in Astra’s vertically-integrated rocket factory in Alameda, California, which we have designed to manufacture and integrate the majority of the components. Our launch system requires a launch site with little more than a concrete pad and only six Astra employees on-site. Our system is designed to meet the needs of modern LEO satellite constellations, allowing precise and rapid placement of individual satellites into their required orbits. We believe this makes Astra’s system more responsive and affordable than other launch alternatives for the thousands of LEO satellites which commercial companies and governments plan to launch in the coming decade.
We have made significant progress in the development of the system to date. On November 20, 2021, we successfully launched launch vehicle LV0007 into orbit at an inclination of 86.0 degrees, an altitude of 500 km and velocity of 7.61 kilometers per second, making Astra one of the fastest U.S. companies to have successfully demonstrated the orbital placement of a test payload. We commenced paid commercial launch services in 2022. To date, we have had three commercial launches and have delivered 23 satellites into low earth orbit. We have conducted launch operations from Pacific Spaceport Complex in Kodiak, Alaska and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
During the third quarter of 2022, we decided to focus on the development and production of the next version of our launch system, which we announced at our inaugural Spacetech Day on May 12, 2022. As a result, we have discontinued the production of launch vehicles supported by our previous launch system, Launch System 1, and commenced development of our new launch system, Launch System 2. On April 25, 2023, Astra hosted its second annual Spacetech Day at both our Alameda Skyhawk factory and Sunnyvale Oakmead facility where we unveiled Rocket 4, which is part of our Launch System 2.
As part of the development cycle for Rocket 4, we expect to conduct one or more test launches of this new launch system. The timing of test launches is driven by our development progress, which has been delayed by resource allocations and prioritizations away from Launch systems development in favor of our Space Products business, primarily focused on the Astra Spacecraft Engine™. As a result, we expect delays in the timing of the initial test launch or launches using this new launch system. Our ability to conduct paid commercial launches in 2024 and beyond will depend on the ultimate timing and success of the initial test launches which will in turn depend on the resources that we are able to devote to Launch systems development in the coming quarters. Our new launch system is intended to serve a market focused on delivering LEO satellites directly to their desired orbits, and as such is applicable to deployment and replenishment of both small and large constellations, as well as single-satellite or rapid response missions. We have designed the new version of our launch system to support more payload capacity, greater reliability, and a more frequent launch cadence, which we believe will allow us to offer our customers more variable and dependable services, and increases the addressable market that we can serve with our Launch Services business.
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Space Products
Our Space Products business offers high quality space products to operators of LEO satellite constellations. Currently, through a newly established subsidiary, we offer an industry leading spacecraft engine platform consisting of two in-space electric propulsion systems. Our typical offering consists of the design and delivery of a fully integrated propulsion module comprised of a thruster, a power processing unit, a tank and a feed system, called the Astra Spacecraft Engine™. The Astra Spacecraft Engine™ can be configured with multiple thrusters and power processing units to handle a wide range of missions, from the smallest earth observation satellites up to large communications satellites with multiple kilowatts of solar power, and is designed to use either Xenon or Krypton as a propellant. In 2022, we began delivery of our Astra Spacecraft Engines™ to our customers and in 2023, we commenced operation of our spacecraft engine production facility in Sunnyvale, California.
We have recently added the Spacecraft Propulsion Kit to our space products offering. The Spacecraft Propulsion Kit disaggregates the four subsystems of the Astra Spacecraft Engine™ module, enabling satellite builders to take advantage of shorter lead times to access key components of their propulsion system that they can customize and integrate into their spacecraft for their unique missions.
We believe that these two operating segments will create an integrated space services platform that will allow our customers to focus on innovative applications rather than investing in bespoke satellite development and separately contracting Launch Services. Our ability to achieve these goals and objectives by our planned timelines are conditional upon a number of factors, including our ability to successfully and timely develop our launch vehicles and our ability to effectively market and sell our services and products. See the information provided under the heading “Risk Factors” in this prospectus, each prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated herein by reference.
We were incorporated in Delaware. Our principal executive offices are located at 1900 Skyhawk Street, Alameda, California 94501. Our telephone number is (866) 278-7217, and our website address is https://www.astra.com. Information contained on our website or connected thereto does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this prospectus or the registration statement of which it forms a part. We have included our website address in this prospectus as an inactive textual reference only and not as an active hyperlink.
Additional information about us is included in documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Documents by Reference.”
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An investment in our securities involves risks and uncertainties. You should carefully consider the risks set forth under “Risk Factors” in any applicable prospectus, under “Risk Factors” under Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2023, Item 1A of Part II of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three month period ended March 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2023, and Item 1A of Part II of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three month period ended June 30, 2023, filed with the SEC on August 14, 2023, each incorporated by reference herein, and all of the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, before investing in our securities. We operate in a changing environment that involves numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could materially adversely affect our operations. Any of these risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. However, these risks are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or those we currently view to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. In such a case, the trading price of our securities could decline and you may lose all or part of your investment in us. In addition, much of the business information, as well as the financial and operational data contained in our risk factors, are updated by our periodic reports filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which are also incorporated by reference into this prospectus. For more information, see “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Documents by Reference.”
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus, each prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated herein by reference contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, which statements are not purely historical and are forward-looking statements. These statements are indicated by words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “seek,” “plan,” “project,” “aim,” “believe,” “could,” “should,” “intend,” “will,” and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements may include projections of financial information; statements about historical results that may suggest trends for our business; statements of the plans, strategies, and objectives of management for future operations; and statements of expectation or belief regarding future events (including any acquisitions we may make), technology developments, our products, product sales, expenses, liquidity, cash flow and growth rates. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections of our performance, our industry’s performance and macroeconomic conditions, judgment, beliefs, views on current trends and market conditions. Such forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. We derive most of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. Accordingly, we caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements. Forward-looking statements in this prospectus may include, for example, statements about:
• | the commencement of commercial operations related to our launch system currently in development and the shifting of the flight dates for the launch of payloads currently under contract with our customers; |
• | our ability to raise financing in the future; |
• | our success in retaining or recruiting officers, key employees or directors; |
• | factors relating to our business, operations and financial performance, including; |
• | our ability to grow and manage growth profitably; |
• | our ability to maintain relationships with customers and suppliers; |
• | competing in the global space industry; and |
• | retaining or recruiting, or making changes with respect to, its officers, key employees or directors; |
• | market conditions and global and economic factors beyond our control, general economic conditions, unemployment and our liquidity, operations and personnel; |
• | our ability to maintain the listing of our shares of our Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Class A Common Stock”) on the NASDAQ Capital Market (“NASDAQ”); |
• | future exchange and interest rates; and |
• | other factors detailed herein under the section entitled “Risk Factors” included in this prospectus, each prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated herein by reference. |
These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date on which they were made and on management’s current expectations, forecasts and assumptions. These forward-looking statements involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. Important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements such as those contained in documents we have filed with the SEC. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
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As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, our actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. For a discussion of the risks involved in our business and investing in our Class A Common Stock, see the section entitled, “Risk Factors” in this Prospectus, each prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference.
Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
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Unless otherwise indicated in any applicable prospectus supplement, we currently intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of securities under this prospectus for general corporate purposes. Our general corporate purposes include, but are not limited to, capital expenditures, funding possible acquisitions, working capital and satisfaction of other obligations. We have not determined the amount of net proceeds to be used specifically for the foregoing purposes. As a result, our management will have broad discretion over the allocation of the net proceeds.
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We will set forth in a prospectus supplement the following information regarding any material dilution of the equity interests of investors purchasing securities from us in a primary offering under this prospectus:
• | the net tangible book value per share of our equity securities before and after the offering; |
• | the amount of the increase in such net tangible book value per share attributable to the cash payments made by purchasers in the offering; and |
• | the amount of the immediate dilution from the public offering price which will be absorbed by such purchasers. |
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We may sell the securities from time to time pursuant to underwritten public offerings, negotiated transactions, block trades or a combination of these methods. We may sell the securities through one or more underwriters or dealers in a public offering and sale by them, through agents, or directly to one or more purchasers.
We may distribute the securities from time to time in one or more transactions:
• | at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed; |
• | at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; |
• | at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or |
• | at negotiated prices. |
We may solicit directly offers to purchase the securities being offered by this prospectus. We may also designate agents to solicit offers to purchase the securities from time to time. We may sell the securities being offered by this prospectus by any method permitted by law, including sales deemed to be an “at the market” offering as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act, including, without limitation, sales made directly on NASDAQ, on any other existing trading market for our securities or to or through a market maker. We will name in a prospectus supplement any agent involved in the offer or sale of our securities.
If we use a dealer in the sale of the securities being offered by this prospectus, we will sell the securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale.
If we use an underwriter in the sale of the securities being offered by this prospectus, we will execute an underwriting agreement with the underwriter at the time of sale, and we will provide the name of any underwriter in the prospectus supplement that the underwriter will use to make resales of the securities to the public. In connection with the sale of the securities, we or the purchasers of securities for whom the underwriter may act as agent may compensate the underwriter in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions. The underwriter may sell the securities to or through dealers, and the underwriter may compensate those dealers in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions.
We will provide in the applicable prospectus supplement any compensation we will pay to underwriters, dealers or agents in connection with the offering of the securities, and any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers. In compliance with guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), the maximum consideration or discount to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker dealer may not exceed 8% of the aggregate amount of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions. In the event that an offering made pursuant to this prospectus is subject to FINRA Rule 5121, the prospectus supplement will comply with the prominent disclosure provisions of that rule.
The securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. To facilitate the offering of securities, certain persons or entities participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities. This may include over-allotments or short sales of the securities, which involves the sale by persons or entities participating in the offering of a greater number of securities than we sold to them as part of the offering. In these circumstances, these persons or entities would cover such over-allotments or short positions by making purchases in the open market or by exercising their over-allotment option. In addition, these persons or entities may stabilize or maintain the price of the securities by bidding for or
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purchasing securities in the open market or by imposing penalty bids, whereby selling concessions allowed to dealers participating in the offering may be reclaimed if securities sold by them are repurchased in connection with stabilization transactions. The effect of these transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. These transactions may be discontinued at any time.
We may authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain purchasers to purchase the securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus supplement will set forth any commissions we pay for solicitation of these contracts.
We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with any derivative transaction, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement or a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. In addition, we may otherwise loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities short using this prospectus. Such financial institution or other third party may transfer its economic short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a concurrent offering of other securities.
The underwriters, dealers, and agents may engage in transactions with us, or perform services for us, in the ordinary course of business. We may provide underwriters, dealers and agents with indemnification against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments they may be required to make in respect thereof.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
We have summarized below general terms and conditions of the debt securities or guarantees of debt securities that we may offer and sell pursuant to this prospectus. When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe the specific terms and conditions of the series in a prospectus supplement to this prospectus. We will also indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement whether the general terms and conditions described in this prospectus apply to such series of debt securities. In addition, the terms and conditions of the debt securities of a series may be different in one or more respects from the terms and conditions described below. If so, those differences will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may, but need not, describe any additional or different terms and conditions of those debt securities in an annual report on Form 10-K, a quarterly report on Form 10-Q, or a current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC, the information in which would be incorporated by reference in this prospectus and that report will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We will issue the debt securities in one or more series, which will consist of either our senior debt or our subordinated debt, under an indenture between us and a trustee. The debt securities of any series, whether senior or subordinated, may be issued as convertible debt securities or exchangeable debt securities. We may use different trustees for different series of debt securities issued under the indenture. The following summary of provisions of the indenture does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the indenture, including definitions therein of certain terms. This summary may not contain all of the information that you may find useful. The terms and conditions of the debt securities of each series will be set forth in those debt securities and may also be set forth in an indenture supplemental to the indenture. For a comprehensive description of any series of debt securities being offered pursuant to this prospectus, you should read both this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement.
We have filed the form of indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. A form of each debt security, reflecting the specific terms and provisions of that series of debt securities, will be filed with the SEC in connection with each offering and will be incorporated by reference in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Copies of the indenture, any supplemental indenture and any form of debt security that has been filed may be obtained in the manner described under “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Documents by Reference.” We also urge you to read the indenture, including any related supplemental indenture, applicable to a particular series of debt securities because they, and not this description, define your rights as the holders of debt securities.
Capitalized terms used and not defined in this summary have the meanings specified in the indenture. For purposes of this section of this prospectus, references to “we,” “us” and “our” are to Astra Space, Inc. (parent company only) and not to any of our subsidiaries. References to the “applicable prospectus supplement” are to the prospectus supplement to this prospectus that describes the specific terms and conditions of a series of debt securities.
General
We may offer the debt securities from time to time in as many distinct series as we may determine. Our senior debt securities will be our senior obligations and will rank equally in right of payment with all of our senior indebtedness. If we issue subordinated debt securities, the terms of the subordination will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue under that indenture. We may, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of any series, issue additional debt securities ranking equally with, and otherwise similar in all respects to, the debt securities of the series (except for the public offering price and the issue date) so that those additional debt securities will be consolidated and form a single series with the debt securities of the series previously offered and sold.
The debt securities of each series will be issued in fully registered form without interest coupons. We currently anticipate that the debt securities of each series offered and sold pursuant to this prospectus will be issued as
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global debt securities as described under “Book-Entry; Delivery and Form; Global Securities” and will trade in book-entry form only.
Debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars will be issued in minimum denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. If the debt securities of a series are denominated in a foreign or composite currency, the applicable prospectus supplement will specify the denomination or denominations in which those debt securities will be issued.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will repay the debt securities of each series at 100% of their principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon at maturity, except if those debt securities have been previously redeemed or purchased and cancelled.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities of each series will not be listed on any securities exchange.
Provisions of Indenture
The indenture provides that debt securities may be issued under it from time to time in one or more series. For each series of debt securities, this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms and conditions of that series of debt securities:
• | the title of the series; |
• | the maximum aggregate principal amount, if any, established for debt securities of the series; |
• | the person to whom any interest on a debt security of the series will be payable, if other than the person in whose name that debt security (or one or more predecessor debt securities) is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for that interest; |
• | whether the debt securities rank as senior debt, subordinated debt, or any combination thereof and the terms of any subordination; |
• | the date or dates on which the principal of any debt securities of the series will be payable or the method used to determine or extend those dates; |
• | the rate or rates at which any debt securities of the series will bear interest, if any, the date or dates from which interest, if any, will accrue, the interest payment dates on which interest, if any, will be payable and the regular record date for interest, if any, payable on any interest payment date; |
• | the place or places where the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on any debt securities of the series will be payable and the manner in which any payment may be made; |
• | the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any debt securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at our option and, if other than by a board resolution, the manner in which any election by us to redeem the debt securities will be evidenced; |
• | our obligation or right, if any, to redeem or purchase any debt securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or at the option of the holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any debt securities of the series will be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to that obligation; |
• | if other than minimum denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, the denominations in which any debt securities of the series will be issuable; |
• | if the amount of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any debt securities of the series may be determined with reference to a financial or economic measure or index or pursuant to a formula, the manner in which those amounts will be determined; |
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• | if other than U.S. dollars, the currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any debt securities of the series will be payable and the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in U.S. dollars for any purpose; |
• | if the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any debt securities of the series is to be payable, at our election or the election of the holder thereof, in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which those debt securities are stated to be payable, the currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities as to which that election is made will be payable, the periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which that election is to be made and the amount so payable (or the manner in which that amount will be determined); |
• | if other than the entire principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of any debt securities of the series which will be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to the indenture; |
• | as of any one or more dates prior to the stated maturity, the amount which will be deemed to be the principal amount of those debt securities as of any date for any purpose, including the principal amount thereof which will be due and payable upon any maturity other than the stated maturity or which will be deemed to be outstanding as of any date prior to the stated maturity (or, in any case, the manner in which the amount deemed to be the principal amount will be determined); |
• | if other than by a board resolution, the manner in which any election by us to defease any debt securities of the series pursuant to the indenture will be evidenced; whether any debt securities of the series other than debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars and bearing interest at a fixed rate are to be subject to the defeasance provisions of the indenture; or, in the case of debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars and bearing interest at a fixed rate, if applicable, that the debt securities of the series, in whole or any specified part, will not be defeasible pursuant to the indenture; |
• | if applicable, that any debt securities of the series will be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities and, in that case, the respective depositaries for those global securities and the form of any legend or legends which will be borne by any global securities, and any circumstances in which any global security may be exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities registered, and any transfer of a global security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name or names of persons other than the depositary for that global security or a nominee thereof and any other provisions governing exchanges or transfers of global securities; |
• | any addition to, deletion from or change in the events of default applicable to any debt securities of the series and any change in the right of the trustee or the requisite holders of those debt securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable; |
• | any addition to, deletion from or change in the covenants described in this prospectus applicable to debt securities of the series; |
• | if the debt securities of the series are to be convertible into or exchangeable for cash or any securities or other property of any person (including us), the terms and conditions upon which those debt securities will be so convertible or exchangeable; |
• | whether the debt securities of the series will be guaranteed by any persons and, if so, the identity of those persons, the terms and conditions upon which those debt securities will be guaranteed and, if applicable, the terms and conditions upon which those guarantees may be subordinated to other indebtedness of the respective guarantors; |
• | whether the debt securities of the series will be secured by any collateral and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which those debt securities will be secured and, if applicable, upon which those liens may be subordinated to other liens securing other indebtedness of us or of any guarantor; |
• | if appropriate, a discussion of U.S. federal income tax consequences; |
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• | if other than the initial trustee is to act as trustee for the debt securities of such series, the name and corporate trust office of such trustee; and |
• | any other terms of the debt securities of the series (which terms will not be inconsistent with the provisions of the indenture, except as permitted thereunder). |
Interest and Interest Rates
General
In the applicable prospectus supplement, we will designate the debt securities of a series as being either debt securities bearing interest at a fixed rate of interest or debt securities bearing interest at a floating rate of interest. Each debt security will begin to accrue interest from the date on which it is originally issued. Interest on each debt security will be payable in arrears on the interest payment dates set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement and as otherwise described below and at maturity or, if earlier, the redemption date described below. Interest will be payable to the holder of record of the debt securities at the close of business on the record date for each interest payment date, which record dates will be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
As used in the indenture, the term “business day” means, with respect to debt securities of a series, any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, which is not a day on which banking institutions are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close in the place where the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities of that series are payable.
Fixed Rate Debt Securities
If the debt securities of a series being offered will bear interest at a fixed rate of interest, the debt securities of that series will bear interest at the annual interest rate specified on the cover page of the applicable prospectus supplement. Interest on those debt securities will be payable semi-annually in arrears on the interest payment dates for those debt securities. If the maturity date, the redemption date or an interest payment date is not a business day, we will pay principal, premium, if any, the redemption price, if any, and interest on the next succeeding business day, and no interest will accrue from and after the relevant maturity date, redemption date or interest payment date to the date of that payment. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, interest on the fixed rate debt securities will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
Floating Rate Debt Securities
If the debt securities of a series being offered will bear interest at a floating rate of interest, the debt securities of that series will bear interest during each relevant interest period at the rate determined as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. In the applicable prospectus supplement, we will indicate any spread or spread multiplier to be applied in the interest rate formula to determine the interest rate applicable in any interest period. The applicable prospectus supplement will identify the calculation agent for each series of floating rate debt securities, which will compute the interest accruing on the debt securities of the relevant series.
Payment and Transfer or Exchange
Principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities of each series will be payable, and the debt securities may be exchanged or transferred, at the office or agency maintained by us for that purpose (which initially will be the corporate trust office of the trustee). Payment of principal of and premium, if any, and interest on a global security registered in the name of or held by The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee will be made in immediately available funds to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered holder of that global security. If any of the debt securities are no longer represented by a global security, payment of interest on certificated debt securities in definitive form may, at our option, be made by check mailed directly to holders at their registered addresses. See the section entitled “Book-Entry; Delivery and Form; Global Securities.”
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A holder may transfer or exchange any certificated debt securities in definitive form at the corporate trust office of the trustee. No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or other similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
We are not required to transfer or exchange any debt security selected for redemption for a period of 15 days before sending of a notice of redemption of the debt security to be redeemed.
The registered holder of debt securities will be treated as the owner of those debt securities for all purposes.
Subject to any applicable abandoned property law, all amounts in respect of principal of and premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities paid by us that remain unclaimed two years after that payment was due and payable will be repaid to us, and the holders of those debt securities will thereafter look solely to us for payment.
Guarantees
Each prospectus supplement will describe, as to the debt securities to which it relates, any guarantees by us or our direct and indirect subsidiaries which may guarantee the debt securities, including the terms of subordination, if any, of such guarantees. Any such guarantees will be made only by certain of our subsidiaries, will be made on a joint and several basis and will be full and unconditional.
Covenants
The indenture sets forth limited covenants, including the covenant described below, that will apply to each series of debt securities issued under the indenture, unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. However, these covenants do not, among other things:
• | limit the amount of indebtedness or lease obligations that may be incurred by us or our subsidiaries; |
• | limit our ability or that of our subsidiaries to issue, assume or guarantee debt secured by liens; or |
• | restrict us from paying dividends or making distributions on our share capital or purchasing or redeeming our share capital. |
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indenture provides that we may consolidate with or merge with or into any other person, and may sell, transfer, lease or convey all or substantially all of our properties and assets to another person, provided that the following conditions are satisfied:
• | we are the continuing entity, or the resulting, surviving or transferee person (the “Successor”) is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership (including a limited partnership), trust or other entity organized and validly existing under the laws of any domestic or foreign jurisdiction and the Successor (if not us) will expressly assume, by supplemental indenture or other document or instrument, all of our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture and, for each security that by its terms provides for conversion, provide for the right to convert that security in accordance with its terms; |
• | immediately after giving effect to that transaction, no event of default under the indenture has occurred and is continuing; and |
• | if requested, the trustee receives from us an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel that the merger, consolidation, transfer, sale, lease or conveyance and the supplemental indenture, as the case may be, complies with the applicable provisions of the indenture. |
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If we consolidate or merge with or into any other person or sell, transfer, lease or convey all or substantially all of our properties and assets in accordance with the indenture, the Successor will be substituted for us under the indenture, with the same effect as if it had been an original party to the indenture. As a result, the Successor may exercise our rights and powers under the indenture, and we will be released from all our liabilities and obligations under the indenture and the debt securities.
Any substitution of the Successor for us might be deemed for federal income tax purposes to be an exchange of the debt securities for “new” debt securities, resulting in recognition of gain or loss for those purposes and possibly certain other adverse tax consequences to beneficial owners of the debt securities. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of any substitution.
For purposes of this covenant, “person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership (including limited partnership), joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.
Events of Default
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, each of the following events are defined in the indenture as an “event of default” (whatever the reason therefor and whether or not it will be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body) with respect to the debt securities of any series:
(1) | default in the payment of any installment of interest on any debt securities of that series, which continues for 30 consecutive days after becoming due (subject to the deferral of any interest payment in case of an extension period); |
(2) | default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, on any debt securities of that series when it becomes due and payable at its stated maturity, upon optional redemption, upon declaration or otherwise; |
(3) | default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, which continues for 30 days after becoming due by the terms of any debt securities of that series; |
(4) | default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or agreement of ours in the indenture with respect to the debt securities of that series (other than as referred to in clause (1), (2) or (3) above), which continues for a period of 90 days (except that, in the case of a default in the performance or breach of a reporting covenant, such period shall be 180 days) after written notice to us by the trustee or to us and the trustee by the holders of at least 30% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series; |
(5) | we, pursuant to or within the meaning of the Bankruptcy Law: |
• | commence a voluntary case or proceeding; |
• | consent to the entry of an order for relief against us in an involuntary case or proceeding; |
• | consent to the appointment of a custodian of us or for all or substantially all of our property; |
• | make a general assignment for the benefit of our creditors; |
• | file a petition in bankruptcy or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief; |
• | consent to the filing of a petition in bankruptcy or the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian; or |
• | take any comparable action under any foreign laws relating to insolvency; or |
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(6) | a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that: |
• | is for relief against us in an involuntary case, or adjudicates us insolvent or bankrupt; |
• | appoints a Custodian of us or for all or substantially all of our property; or |
• | orders the winding-up or liquidation of us (or any similar relief is granted under any foreign laws) and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 90 days; or |
(7) | any other event of default provided with respect to debt securities of that series occurs as specified in a supplemental indenture. |
If an event of default with respect to debt securities of any series (other than an event of default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization of us) occurs and is continuing, the trustee for that series by notice to us, or the holders of at least 30% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series by notice to us and the trustee, may declare the principal of and premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable. Upon a declaration of this type, that principal, premium and accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable immediately. If an event of default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of us occurs and is continuing, the principal of and premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on the debt securities of that series will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee of that series or any holders.
The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may rescind a declaration of acceleration and its consequences, if we have deposited certain sums with the trustee and all events of default with respect to the debt securities of that series, other than the non-payment of the principal or interest which have become due solely by that acceleration, have been cured or waived, as provided in the indenture.
An event of default for a particular series of debt securities does not necessarily constitute an event of default for any other series of debt securities issued under the indenture.
We are required to furnish the trustee annually a statement by certain of our officers to the effect that, to the best of their knowledge, we are not in default in the fulfillment of any of our obligations under the indenture or, if there has been a default in the fulfillment of any obligation of us, specifying each default.
No holder of any debt securities of any series will have any right to institute any judicial or other proceeding with respect to the indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy unless:
(1) | an event of default has occurred and is continuing and that holder has given the trustee prior written notice of that continuing event of default with respect to the debt securities of that series; |
(2) | the holders of not less than 30% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have requested the trustee to institute proceedings in respect of that event of default; |
(3) | the trustee has been offered indemnity satisfactory to it against its costs, expenses and liabilities in complying with that request; |
(4) | the trustee has failed to institute proceedings 60 days after the receipt of that notice, request and offer of indemnity; and |
(5) | no direction inconsistent with that written request has been given for 60 days by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series. |
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of a series will have the right, subject to certain limitations, to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any
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remedy available to the trustee with respect to the debt securities of that series or exercising any trust or power conferred to the trustee, and to waive certain defaults. The indenture provides that if an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee will exercise those of its rights and powers under the indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of that person’s own affairs. The trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any of the holders of the debt securities of a series unless they will have offered to the trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with that request.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holder of any debt security will have an absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on that debt security on or after the due dates expressed in that debt security and to institute suit for the enforcement of payment.
Modification and Waivers
Modification and amendments of the indenture and the debt securities of any series may be made by us and the trustee with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series affected thereby; provided, however, that no modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of that series affected thereby:
• | change the stated maturity of the principal of, or installment of interest on, any debt security; |
• | reduce the principal amount of any debt security or reduce the amount of the principal of any debt security which would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof or reduce the rate of interest on any debt security; |
• | reduce any premium payable on the redemption of any debt security or change the date on which any debt security may or must be redeemed; |
• | change the coin or currency in which the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any debt security is payable; |
• | impair the right of any holder to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or after the stated maturity of any debt security (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the redemption date); |
• | reduce the percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities, the consent of whose holders is required in order to take certain actions; |
• | reduce the requirements for quorum or voting by holders of debt securities in the indenture or the debt security; |
• | modify any of the provisions in the indenture regarding the waiver of past defaults and the waiver of certain covenants by the holders of debt securities except to increase any percentage vote required or to provide that certain other provisions of the indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of each debt security affected thereby; |
• | make any change that adversely affects in any material respect the right to convert or exchange any debt security or decreases the conversion or exchange rate or increases the conversion price of any convertible or exchangeable debt security, unless that decrease or increase is permitted by the terms of the debt securities; or |
• | modify any of the above provisions. |
We and the trustee may, without the consent of any holders, modify or amend the terms of the indenture and the debt securities of any series with respect to the following:
• | to add to our covenants for the benefit of holders of the debt securities of all or any series or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us; |
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• | to evidence the succession of another person to, and the assumption by the successor of our covenants, agreements and obligations under, the indenture pursuant to the covenant described under “ —Covenants—Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets”; |
• | to add any additional events of default for the benefit of holders of the debt securities of all or any series; |
• | to add one or more guarantees for the benefit of holders of the debt securities, and to evidence the release and discharge of any guarantor from its obligations under its guarantee of debt securities and its obligations under the indenture in accordance with the terms of the indenture; |
• | to add or appoint a successor or separate trustee or other agent; |
• | to provide for the issuance of additional debt securities of any series; |
• | to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series as permitted by the indenture; |
• | to comply with the rules of any applicable securities depository; |
• | to provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or in place of certificated debt securities; |
• | to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of the indenture in respect of one or more series of debt securities; provided that any such addition, change or elimination (a) shall neither (1) apply to any debt security of any series created prior to the execution of that supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of that provision nor (2) modify the rights of the holder of any debt security with respect to that provision or (b) shall become effective only when there is no debt security described in clause (1) outstanding; |
• | to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended; |
• | to conform any provision of the indenture, any supplemental indenture, one or more series of debt securities or any related guarantees or security documents to the description of such securities contained in our prospectus, prospectus supplement, offering memorandum or similar document with respect to the offering of the securities of such series; |
• | to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency; or |
• | to change any other provision; provided that the change does not materially adversely affect the interests of the holders of debt securities of any applicable series. |
The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series, waive compliance with certain restrictive provisions of the indenture. The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series, waive any past default and its consequences under the indenture with respect to the debt securities of that series, except a default (1) in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on debt securities of that series or (2) in respect of a covenant or provision of the indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each debt security of that series. Upon any waiver, that default will cease to exist, and any event of default arising therefrom will be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of the indenture; however, no waiver will extend to any subsequent or other default or event of default or impair any rights consequent thereon.
Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement for any series of debt securities, we may discharge certain obligations to holders of the debt securities of a series that have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation and that either have become due and payable or will become due and payable within one year (or scheduled for redemption within one year) by depositing with the trustee, in trust, funds in U.S. dollars in an
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amount sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness including the principal and premium, if any, and interest to the date of deposit (if the debt securities have become due and payable) or to the maturity thereof or the redemption date of the debt securities of that series, as the case may be. We may direct the trustee to invest those funds in U.S. Treasury securities with a maturity of one year or less or in a money market fund that invests solely in short-term U.S. Treasury securities.
The indenture provides that we may elect either (1) to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to the debt securities of a series (except for, among other things, obligations to register the transfer or exchange of the debt securities, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities, to maintain an office or agency with respect to the debt securities and to hold moneys for payment in trust) (“legal defeasance”) or (2) to be released from our obligations to comply with the restrictive covenants under the indenture, and any omission to comply with those obligations will not constitute a default or an event of default with respect to the debt securities of a series and clauses (4) and (7) under “ —Events of Default” will no longer be applied (“covenant defeasance”). Legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, as the case may be, will be conditioned upon, among other things, the irrevocable deposit by us with the trustee, in trust, of an amount in U.S. dollars, or U.S. government obligations, or both, applicable to the debt securities of that series which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities on the scheduled due dates therefor.
If we effect legal defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to the debt securities of any series, the amount in U.S. dollars, or U.S. government obligations, or both, on deposit with the trustee will be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of the stated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of the acceleration resulting from that event of default. However, we would remain liable to make payment of amounts due at the time of acceleration.
We will be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that the deposit and related defeasance will not cause the holders and beneficial owners of the debt securities of that series to recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. If we elect legal defeasance, that opinion of counsel must be based upon a ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or a change in law to that effect.
We may exercise our legal defeasance option notwithstanding our prior exercise of our covenant defeasance option.
Same-Day Settlement and Payment
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will trade in the same-day funds settlement system of DTC until maturity or until we issue the debt securities in certificated form. DTC will therefore require secondary market trading activity in the debt securities to settle in immediately available funds. We can give no assurance as to the effect, if any, of settlement in immediately available funds on trading activity in the debt securities.
Governing Law
The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
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The following summary of the material terms of our securities is not intended to be a complete summary of the rights and preferences of such securities. The full text of our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. You are encouraged to read the applicable provisions of Delaware law, our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws in their entirety for a complete description of the rights and preferences of our securities. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”
Authorized Capital Stock
Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of 466,000,000 shares of stock, of which 400,000,000 shares are shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 65,000,000 shares are shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Class B Common Stock”), and 1,000,000 shares are shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
As of September 6, 2023, we had 220,654,996 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding, 55,539,188 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding.
Common Stock
Class A Common Stock
Voting Rights
Holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to cast one vote per share of Class A Common Stock. Generally, holders of all classes of common stock vote together as a single class, and an action is approved by stockholders if the number of votes cast in favor of the action exceeds the number of votes cast in opposition to the action, while directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast in contested elections. Holders of Class A Common Stock are not entitled to cumulate their votes in the election of directors.
Dividend Rights
Holders of Class A Common Stock share ratably (based on the number of shares of Class A Common Stock held) if and when any dividend is declared by the Board out of funds legally available therefor, subject to restrictions, whether statutory or contractual (including with respect to any outstanding indebtedness), on the declaration and payment of dividends and to any restrictions on the payment of dividends imposed by the terms of any outstanding preferred stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over, or the right to participate with, the Class A Common Stock with respect to the payment of dividends.
Liquidation, Dissolution and Winding Up
On the liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or winding up of the Company, each holder of Class A Common Stock is entitled, pro rata on a per share basis, to all assets of the Company of whatever kind available for distribution to the holders of common stock, subject to the designations, preferences, limitations, restrictions and relative rights of any other class or series of preferred stock of the Company then outstanding.
Other Matters
Holders of shares of Class A Common Stock do not have subscription, redemption or conversion rights. All the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
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Class B Common Stock
Voting Rights
Holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to cast 10 votes per share of Class B Common Stock. Generally, holders of all classes of common stock vote together as a single class, and an action is approved by stockholders if the number of votes cast in favor of the action exceeds the number of votes cast in opposition to the action, while directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast in contested elections. Holders of Class B Common Stock are not entitled to cumulate their votes in the election of directors.
Dividend Rights
Holders of Class B Common Stock share ratably (based on the number of shares of Class B Common Stock held) if and when any dividend is declared by the Board out of funds legally available therefor, subject to restrictions, whether statutory or contractual (including with respect to any outstanding indebtedness), on the declaration and payment of dividends and to any restrictions on the payment of dividends imposed by the terms of any outstanding preferred stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over, or the right to participate with, the Class B Common Stock with respect to the payment of dividends.
Optional Conversion Rights
Holders of Class B Common Stock have the right to convert shares of their Class B Common Stock into fully paid and non-assessable shares of Class A Common Stock, on a one-to-one basis, at the option of the holder at any time upon written notice to the Company.
Mandatory Conversion Rights
Holders of Class B Common Stock shall have their Class B Common Stock automatically converted into Class A Common Stock, on a one-to-one basis, upon the occurrence of any of the events described below:
(1) | Any sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, hypothecation, or other transfer or disposition, directly or indirectly, of any Class B Common Stock or any legal or beneficial interest in such share, whether or not for value and whether voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law (including by merger, consolidation, or otherwise), including, without limitation the transfer of a share of Class B Common Stock to a broker or other nominee or the transfer of, or entering into a binding agreement with respect to, voting control over such share by proxy or otherwise, other than a permitted transfer. |
(2) | Upon the first date on which Chris Kemp and Adam London (each, an “Astra Founder” and together, the “Astra Founders”), together with all other qualified stockholders, collectively cease to beneficially own at least 20% of the number of shares of Class B Common Stock held by the Astra Founders on the Closing Date (as such number of shares is equitably adjusted in respect of any reclassification, stock dividend, subdivision, combination, or recapitalization of the Class B Common Stock) collectively held by the Astra Founders and their permitted transferees. |
(3) | Upon the date specified by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, voting as a separate class. |
Liquidation Rights
On the liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or winding up of the Company, each holder of Class B Common Stock will be entitled, pro rata on a per share basis, to all assets of the Company of whatever kind available for distribution to the holders of common stock, subject to the designations, preferences, limitations, restrictions and relative rights of any other class or series of preferred stock of the Company then outstanding.
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Preferred Stock
Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Board has the authority, without action by the stockholders, to designate and issue shares of preferred stock in one or more classes or series, and the number of shares constituting any such class or series, and to fix the voting powers, designations, preferences, limitations, restrictions and relative rights of each class or series of preferred stock, including, without limitation, dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, exchange rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption, dissolution preferences, and treatment in the case of a merger, business combination transaction, or sale of the Company’s assets, which rights may be greater than the rights of the holders of the common stock.
The purpose of authorizing the Board to issue preferred stock and determine the rights and preferences of any classes or series of preferred stock is to eliminate delays associated with a stockholder vote on specific issuances. The simplified issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions, future financings and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or could discourage a third party from seeking to acquire, a majority of the outstanding voting stock. Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock may adversely affect the holders of Class A Common Stock by restricting dividends on the Class A Common Stock, diluting the voting power of the Class A Common Stock or subordinating the dividend or liquidation rights of the Class A Common Stock. As a result of these or other factors, the issuance of preferred stock could have an adverse impact on the market price of the Class A Common Stock.
Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions of Delaware Law and our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws
Certain provisions of our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws, and laws of the State of Delaware, where the Company is incorporated, may discourage or make more difficult a takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in his or her best interest. These provisions may also adversely affect prevailing market prices for the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock. The Company believes that the benefits of increased protection give the Company the potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure the Company and outweigh the disadvantage of discouraging those proposals because negotiation of the proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.
Authorized but Unissued Shares
Delaware law does not require stockholder approval for any issuance of authorized shares. However, the listing requirements of NASDAQ, which would apply if and so long as the Class A Common Stock remains listed on NASDAQ, require stockholder approval of certain issuances equal to exceeding 20% of the then outstanding voting power or then outstanding number of shares of common stock. Additional shares that may be used in the future may be issued for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings, to raise additional capital, or to facilitate acquisitions. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved common stock and preferred stock could make more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Company by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger, or otherwise.
Dual Class Stock
As described above, Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for a dual class common stock structure that provides each of the Astra Founders with the ability to control the outcome of matters requiring stockholder approval, even though he owns significantly less than a majority of the shares of outstanding Class A Common Stock, including the election of directors and significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or other sale of the Company or its assets.
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Number of Directors
Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that, subject to any rights of holders of preferred stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the number of directors may be fixed from time to time pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board; providing, however, that unless approved by (i) if before the first date on which the issued and outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock represents less than 50% of the total voting power of the then outstanding shares of capital stock that would then be entitled to vote in the election of directors at an annual meeting of stockholders, the holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of capital stock of the Company that would then be entitled to vote in the election of directors at an annual meeting or by written consent, or (ii) if after the first date on which the issued and outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock represents less than 50% of the total voting power of the then outstanding shares of capital stock that would then be entitled to vote in the election of directors at an annual meeting of stockholders, by the holders of two-thirds (2/3rds) of the voting power of the shares of capital stock that would then be entitled to vote in the election of directors at an annual meeting of stockholders, the number of directors may not exceed seven. The initial number of directors will be set at seven.
Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Meetings, Nominations and Proposals
The Amended and Restated Bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and nomination of candidates for election as directors, other than nominations made by or at the direction of the Board or a committee of the Board. In order to be “properly brought” before a meeting, a stockholder will have to comply with advance notice requirements and provide the Company with certain information. Generally, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be received at the Company’s principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders. The Amended and Restated Bylaws also specify requirements as to the form and content of a stockholder’s notice. The Amended and Restated Bylaws allow the chairman of the meeting at a meeting of the stockholders to adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of meetings which may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at a meeting if the rules and regulations are not followed. These provisions may also defer, delay, or discourage a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to influence or obtain control of the Company.
Limitations on Stockholder Action by Written Consent
Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that, subject to the terms of any series of preferred stock, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders must be effected at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders and may not be effected by written consent in lieu of a meeting.
Amendment of the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws
The Delaware General Corporate Law (the “DGCL”) provides generally that the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon, voting together a single class, is required to amend a corporation’s certificate of incorporation, unless the certificate of incorporation requires a greater percentage.
The Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that it may be amended by the Company in the manners provided therein or prescribed by statute. The Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, will be required to amend or repeal, or adopt any provision of the Charter providing for the capital stock of the Company, amendment of the charter, amendment of the bylaws, board of directors, election of directors, limitation of director liability, indemnification and special meetings of the stockholders.
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If any of the Class B Common Stock shares are outstanding, the Company will not, without the prior affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds (2/3rds) of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, voting as a separate class, in addition to any other vote required by applicable law or the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, directly or indirectly, amend, alter, change, repeal, or adopt any provision of the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (1) in a manner that is inconsistent with, or otherwise alters or changes, any of the voting, conversion, dividend, or liquidation provisions of the shares of Class B Common Stock or other rights, powers, preferences, or privileges of the shares of Class B Common Stock, (2) to provide for each share of Class A Common Stock to have more than one vote per share or any rights to a separate class vote of the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock other than as provided in the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or required by the DGCL, or (3) to otherwise adversely impact or affect the rights, powers, preferences, or privileges of the shares of Class B Common Stock.
If any of the shares of Class A Common Stock are outstanding, the Company will not, without the prior affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds (2/3rds) of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, voting as a separate class, in addition to any other vote required by applicable law or the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, directly or indirectly, amend, alter, change, repeal, or adopt any provision of the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (1) in a manner that is inconsistent with, or otherwise alters or changes, any of the voting, conversion, dividend, or liquidation provisions of the shares of Class A Common Stock or other rights, powers, preferences, or privileges of the shares of Class A Common Stock or (2) to provide for each share of Class B Common Stock to have more than 10 votes per share or any rights to a separate class vote of the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock other than as provided in the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or required by the DGCL.
The Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation also provides that the Board shall have the power to adopt, amend, alter, or repeal the Amended and Restated Bylaws by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present at any regular or special meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present in any manner not inconsistent with the laws of the State of Delaware or the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. The stockholders of Amended and Restated are prohibited from adopting, amending, altering, or repealing the Amended and Restated Bylaws, or to adopt any provision inconsistent with the Amended and Restated Bylaws, unless such action is approved, in addition to any other vote required by the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, by the Requisite Stockholder Consent.
Business Combinations
Under Section 203 of the DGCL, a corporation will not be permitted to engage in a business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the time that such interested stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:
(1) | prior to such time the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; |
(2) | upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned (i) by persons who are directors and also officers and (ii) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or |
(3) | at or subsequent to such time the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66% of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder. |
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Generally, a “business combination” includes a merger, asset or stock sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Subject to certain exceptions, an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with that person’s affiliates and associates, owns, or within the previous three years owned, 15% or more of the Company’s outstanding voting stock. For purposes of this section only, “voting stock” has the meaning given to it in Section 203 of the DGCL.
Because the Company has not opted out of Section 203 of the DGCL, it will apply to the Company. As a result, this provision will make it more difficult for a person who would be an “interested stockholder” to effect various business combinations with the Company for a three-year period. This provision may encourage companies interested in acquiring the Company to negotiate in advance with the Board because the stockholder approval requirement would be avoided if the Board approves either the business combination or the transaction which results in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder. These provisions also may have the effect of preventing changes in the Board and may make it more difficult to accomplish transactions which stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.
Cumulative Voting
Under Delaware law, the right to vote cumulatively does not exist unless the charter specifically authorizes cumulative voting. The Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation does not authorize cumulative voting.
Corporate Opportunities
The Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for the renouncement by the Company of any interest or expectancy of the Company in, or being offered an opportunity to participate in any matter, transaction, or interest that is presented to, or acquired, created, or developed by, or which otherwise comes into possession of, any director of the Company who is not an employee or officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, unless such matter, transaction, or interest is presenting to, or acquired, created, or developed by, or otherwise comes into the possession of a director of the Company expressly and solely in that director’s capacity as a director of the Company.
Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal and Payment
Under the DGCL, with certain exceptions, the Company’s stockholders will have appraisal rights in connection with a merger or consolidation of the Company. Pursuant to the DGCL, stockholders who properly request and perfect appraisal rights in connection with such merger or consolidation will have the right to receive payment of the fair value of their shares as determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery.
Stockholders’ Derivative Actions
Under the DGCL, any of the Company’s stockholders may bring an action in the Company’s name to procure a judgment in the Company’s favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the stockholder bringing the action is a holder of the Company’s shares at the time of the transaction to which the action relates or such stockholder’s stock thereafter devolved by operation of law.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent for our capital stock is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
Listing of Class A Common Stock
Our shares of Class A Common Stock are listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “ASTR”.
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We may issue debt warrants to purchase debt securities, as well as equity warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock. The warrants may be issued independently or together with any securities and may be attached to or separate from the securities. The warrants are to be issued under warrant agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all as shall be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to warrants being offered pursuant to such prospectus supplement. The following description of warrants will apply to the warrants offered by this prospectus unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement for a particular series of warrants may specify different or additional terms.
Debt Warrants
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of debt warrants offered, the warrant agreement relating to the debt warrants and the debt warrant certificates representing the debt warrants, including the following:
• | the title of the debt warrants; |
• | the aggregate number of the debt warrants; |
• | the price or prices at which the debt warrants will be issued; |
• | the designation, aggregate principal amount and terms of the debt securities purchasable upon exercise of the debt warrants, and the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of the debt warrants; |
• | the designation and terms of any related debt securities with which the debt warrants are issued, and the number of debt warrants issued with each debt security; |
• | the date, if any, on and after which the debt warrants and the related debt securities will be separately transferable; |
• | the principal amount of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of each debt warrant; |
• | the date on which the right to exercise the debt warrants will commence, and the date on which this right will expire; |
• | the maximum or minimum number of debt warrants which may be exercised at any time; |
• | a discussion of any material federal income tax considerations; and |
• | any other terms of the debt warrants and terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exercise of debt warrants. |
Holders may exercise debt warrants at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement. Prior to the exercise of their debt warrants, holders of debt warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities purchasable upon exercise and will not be entitled to payment of principal or any premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities purchasable upon exercise.
Equity Warrants
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms of equity warrants offered:
• | the title of the equity warrants; |
• | the securities (i.e., common stock or preferred stock) for which the equity warrants are exercisable; |
• | the price or prices at which the equity warrants will be issued; |
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• | if applicable, the designation and terms of the common stock or preferred stock with which the equity warrants are issued, and the number of equity warrants issued with each share of common stock or preferred stock; |
• | if applicable, the date on and after which the equity warrants and the related common stock or preferred stock will be separately transferable; |
• | if applicable, a discussion of any material federal income tax considerations; and |
• | any other terms of the equity warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of equity warrants. |
Prior to exercise of the equity warrants, holders of equity warrants will not be entitled, by virtue of being such holders, to vote, consent, receive dividends, receive notice as stockholders with respect to any meeting of stockholders for the election of our directors or any other matter, or to exercise any rights whatsoever as our stockholders.
The exercise price payable and the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon the exercise of each equity warrant will be subject to adjustment in certain events, including the issuance of a stock dividend to holders of common stock or preferred stock or a stock split, reverse stock split, combination, subdivision or reclassification of common stock or preferred stock. In lieu of adjusting the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of each equity warrant, we may elect to adjust the number of equity warrants. We are not required to make adjustments in the number of shares purchasable upon exercise of the equity warrants until cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at least 1% thereof. We may, at our option, reduce the exercise price at any time. No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of equity warrants, but we will pay the cash value of any fractional shares otherwise issuable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in case of any consolidation, merger, or sale or conveyance of our property in its entirety or substantially in its entirety, the holder of each outstanding equity warrant shall have the right to the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property, including cash, receivable by a holder of the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock into which the equity warrant was exercisable immediately prior to such transaction.
Exercise of Warrants
Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase for cash such principal amount of securities or shares of stock at such exercise price as shall in each case be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered thereby. Warrants may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered thereby. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.
The warrants may be exercised as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered. Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If less than all of the warrants represented by such warrant certificate are exercised, a new warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining warrants.
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We may issue rights to purchase our common stock. The rights may or may not be transferable by the persons purchasing or receiving the rights. In connection with any rights offering, we may enter into a standby underwriting or other arrangement with one or more underwriters or other persons pursuant to which such underwriters or other persons would purchase any offered securities remaining unsubscribed for after such rights offering. Each series of rights will be issued under a separate rights agent agreement to be entered into between us and one or more banks, trust companies or other financial institutions, as rights agent, that we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement. The rights agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the rights and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of rights certificates or beneficial owners of rights.
The prospectus supplement and any incorporated documents relating to any rights that we offer will include specific terms relating to the offering, including, among other matters:
• | the date of determining the security holders entitled to the rights distribution; |
• | the aggregate number of rights issued and the aggregate number of shares of common stock purchasable upon exercise of the rights; |
• | the exercise price; |
• | the conditions to completion of the rights offering; |
• | the date on which the right to exercise the rights will commence and the date on which the rights will expire; |
• | the extent to which the rights may include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed shares or an over-allotment privilege to the extent shares are fully subscribed; |
• | if applicable, the material terms of any standby underwriting or purchase arrangement; and |
• | a discussion of certain United States federal income tax consequences applicable to the rights offering. |
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The following description, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes the general features of the units that we may offer under this prospectus. We may issue units consisting of two or more other constituent securities. These units may be issuable as, and for a specified period of time may be transferable only as, a single security, rather than as the separate constituent securities comprising such units. While the features we have summarized below will generally apply to any units we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any units that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The specific terms of any units may differ from the description provided below as a result of negotiations with third parties in connection with the issuance of those units, as well as for other reasons. Because the terms of any units we offer under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below, you should rely solely on information in the applicable prospectus supplement if that summary is different from the summary in this prospectus.
We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplement related to the specific units being offered, as well as the complete instruments that contain the terms of the securities that comprise those units. Certain of those instruments, or forms of those instruments, have been or will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and supplements to those instruments or forms may be incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part from reports we file with the SEC.
If we offer any units, certain terms of that series of units will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, the following, as applicable:
• | the title of the series of units; |
• | identification and description of the separate constituent securities comprising the units; |
• | the price or prices at which the units will be issued; |
• | the date, if any, on and after which the constituent securities comprising the units will be separately transferable; |
• | a discussion of certain United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the units; and |
• | any other terms of the units and their constituent securities. |
Enforceability of Rights by Holders of Units
Any unit agent will act solely as our agent under the applicable unit agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any unit. A single bank or trust company may act as unit agent for more than one series of units. A unit agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by us under the applicable unit agreement or unit, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon us. Any holder of a unit may, without the consent of any related unit agent or the holder of any other unit, enforce by appropriate legal action its rights as holder under any security included in the unit.
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Book-Entry, Delivery and Form
Unless we indicate differently in a prospectus supplement, the securities initially will be issued in book-entry form and represented by one or more global notes or global securities, or, collectively, global securities. The global securities will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC, and registered in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee of DTC. Unless and until it is exchanged for individual certificates evidencing securities under the limited circumstances described below, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary to its nominee or by the nominee to the depositary, or by the depositary or its nominee to a successor depositary or to a nominee of the successor depositary.
DTC has advised us that it is:
• | a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law; |
• | a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law; |
• | a member of the Federal Reserve System; |
• | a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code; and |
• | a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. |
DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among its participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in participants’ accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. “Direct participants” in DTC include securities brokers and dealers, including underwriters, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other organizations. DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (“DTCC”). DTCC is the holding company for DTC, National Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing agencies. DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries. Access to the DTC system is also available to others, which we sometimes refer to as indirect participants, that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the Commission.
Purchases of securities under the DTC system must be made by or through direct participants, which will receive a credit for the securities on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of the actual purchaser of a security, which we sometimes refer to as a beneficial owner, is in turn recorded on the direct and indirect participants’ records. Beneficial owners of securities will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchases. However, beneficial owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of their transactions, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the direct or indirect participants through which they purchased securities. Transfers of ownership interests in global securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of participants acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in the global securities, except under the limited circumstances described below.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, all global securities deposited by direct participants with DTC will be registered in the name of DTC’s partnership nominee, Cede & Co., or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other nominee will not change the beneficial ownership of the securities. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the securities. DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the direct participants to whose accounts the securities are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners. The participants are responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
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So long as the securities are in book-entry form, you will receive payments and may transfer securities only through the facilities of the depositary and its direct and indirect participants. We will maintain an office or agency in the location specified in the prospectus supplement for the applicable securities, where notices and demands in respect of the securities and the indenture may be delivered to us and where certificated securities may be surrendered for payment, registration of transfer or exchange.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to direct participants, by direct participants to indirect participants and by direct participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any legal requirements in effect from time to time.
Redemption notices will be sent to DTC. If less than all of the securities of a particular series are being redeemed, DTC’s practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each direct participant in the securities of such series to be redeemed.
Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. (or such other DTC nominee) will consent or vote with respect to the securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC will mail an omnibus proxy to us as soon as possible after the record date. The omnibus proxy assigns the consenting or voting rights of Cede & Co. to those direct participants to whose accounts the securities of such series are credited on the record date, identified in a listing attached to the omnibus proxy.
So long as securities are in book-entry form, we will make payments on those securities to the depositary or its nominee, as the registered owner of such securities, by wire transfer of immediately available funds. If securities are issued in definitive certificated form under the limited circumstances described below, we will have the option of making payments by check mailed to the addresses of the persons entitled to payment or by wire transfer to bank accounts in the United States designated in writing to the applicable trustee or other designated party at least 15 days before the applicable payment date by the persons entitled to payment.
Redemption proceeds, distributions and dividend payments on the securities will be made to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC’s practice is to credit direct participants’ accounts upon DTC’s receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from us on the payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC records. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the account of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name.” Those payments will be the responsibility of participants and not of DTC or us, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements in effect from time to time. Payment of redemption proceeds, distributions and dividend payments to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC, is our responsibility, disbursement of payments to direct participants is the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of payments to the beneficial owners is the responsibility of direct and indirect participants.
Except under the limited circumstances described below, purchasers of securities will not be entitled to have securities registered in their names and will not receive physical delivery of securities. Accordingly, each beneficial owner must rely on the procedures of DTC and its participants to exercise any rights under the securities and the indenture.
The laws of some jurisdictions may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. Those laws may impair the ability to transfer or pledge beneficial interests in securities.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with respect to the securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to us. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor depository is not obtained, securities certificates are required to be printed and delivered.
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As noted above, beneficial owners of a particular series of securities generally will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in those securities. However, if:
• | DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a depositary for the global security or securities representing such series of securities or if DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act at a time when it is required to be registered and a successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days of the notification to us or of our becoming aware of DTC’s ceasing to be so registered, as the case may be; |
• | we determine, in our sole discretion, not to have such securities represented by one or more global securities; or |
• | an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to such series of securities. |
We will prepare and deliver certificates for such securities in exchange for beneficial interests in the global securities. Any beneficial interest in a global security that is exchangeable under the circumstances described in the preceding sentence will be exchangeable for securities in definitive certificated form registered in the names that the depositary directs. It is expected that these directions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from its participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the global securities.
We have obtained the information in this section and elsewhere in this prospectus concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system from sources that are believed to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for the accuracy of this information.
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The financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2022 incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report (which contains an explanatory paragraph relating to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern as described in Note 1 to the financial statements) of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
The financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021 incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC. We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information in the registration statement. For further information about us and the securities offered by this prospectus, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits filed as part of the registration statement. You may read and copy the registration statement as well as our reports, proxy statements and other documents we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information about the operation of the public reference room. The SEC also maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, like us, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that website is https://www.sec.gov.
We also maintain an Internet website at https://www.astra.com. Through our website, we make available, free of charge, the following documents as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC: our Annual Reports on Form 10-K; our proxy statements for our annual and special shareholder meetings; our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q; our Current Reports on Form 8-K; Forms 3, 4 and 5 and Schedules 13D; and amendments to those documents. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our website is not part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus.
If you would like additional copies of this prospectus, you should contact us by telephone or in writing:
Astra Space, Inc.
1900 Skyhawk Street
Alameda, California 94501
Attention: Corporate Secretary
(866) 278-7217
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INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference into this prospectus the information in other documents we file with the SEC. This allows us to disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents, instead of having to repeat the information in this prospectus. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, and later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede such information. We have previously filed the following documents with the SEC and incorporate them by reference into this prospectus:
• | our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed on March 30, 2023 (the “Annual Report”); |
• | our Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report, filed on March 31, 2023; |
• | our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2023, filed on May 15, 2023, and for the period ended June 30, 2023, filed on August 14, 2023; |
• | our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on January 27, 2023, March 1, 2023, March 2, 2023, March 3, 2023, March 6, 2023, March 10, 2023, March 13, 2023, March 16, 2023, April 5, 2023, April 11, 2023, April 13, 2023, April 21, 2023, April 26, 2023, April 26, 2023, April 27, 2023, April 27, 2023, May 16, 2023, June 12, 2023, July 10, 2023, July 19, 2023, August 4, 2023 (excluding information under Item 7.01), August 4, 2023 (excluding information under Item 7.01), August 7, 2023 and August 16, 2023; |
• | our Amended Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on March 13, 2023 and March 16, 2023; and |
• | the description of our securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act filed on March 30, 2023 as Exhibit 4.1 to our Annual Report, including any amendment or report filed for the purposes of updating such description. |
We also are incorporating by reference any future information filed (rather than furnished) by us with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act between the date of this prospectus and the date all securities to which this prospectus relates have been sold or the offering is otherwise terminated and also between the date of the registration statement that contains this prospectus and prior to effectiveness of such registration statement. The most recent information that we file with the SEC automatically updates and supersedes more dated information.
We will furnish without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the reports or documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus but not delivered with the prospectus, including exhibits that are specifically incorporated by reference into such documents. You can access the reports and documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus through the “Investors” section of our website: https://investor.astra.com. You may also direct any requests for reports or documents to:
Astra Space, Inc.
1900 Skyhawk Street
Alameda, California 94501
Attention: Corporate Secretary
(866) 278-7217
37
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. | Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution. |
The following table sets forth the costs and expenses payable by us in connection with the sale of the securities being registered hereby.
Amount to be Paid ($) | ||
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee | 11,020 | |
Printing and engraving expenses | * | |
Legal fees and expenses | * | |
Accounting fees and expenses | * | |
Transfer agent and registrar fees | * | |
Trust fees and expenses | * | |
Miscellaneous expenses | * | |
Total | * |
* | These fees cannot be estimated at this time as they are calculated based on the securities offered and the number of issuances. |
ITEM 15. | Indemnification of Directors and Officers. |
As permitted by Section 102 of the DGCL, we have adopted provisions in our certificate of incorporation that limit or eliminate the personal liability of our directors for monetary damages for a breach of their fiduciary duty of care as a director, except for liability for:
• | any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders; |
• | any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; |
• | any act related to unlawful stock repurchases, redemptions or other distributions or payment of dividends; or |
• | any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. |
These limitations of liability do not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission.
Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation also authorizes us to indemnify our officers, directors and other agents to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law. As permitted by the DGCL, our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that we may indemnify, and advance expenses to, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any person who was or is a party to or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of us, or is or was serving at our request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.
We have also entered into separate indemnification agreements with our directors and officers that may be broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained in the DGCL.
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Item 16. | Exhibits. |
* | To be filed by amendment or incorporated by reference in connection with the offering of the securities. |
** | Filed herewith. |
ITEM 17. | Undertakings. |
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
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represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in this registration statement.
Provided , however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) above do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form F-3 and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statements or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is a part of the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:
(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided , however , that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.
(5) That for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: (i) any preliminary prospectus
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or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; (ii) any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant; (iii) the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and (iv) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that: (i) for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of the registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and (ii) for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(d) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(e) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the Trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the SEC under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Alameda, California, on the 8th day of September, 2023.
Astra Space, Inc. | ||
By: | /s/ Chris Kemp | |
Name: | Chris Kemp | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Chris Kemp and Axel Martinez, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments including post-effective amendments to this registration statement and any and all registration statements filed pursuant to Rule 462 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact or his substitute, each acting alone, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement on Form S-3 has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 8th day of September, 2023.
Name | Position | Date | ||
/s/ Chris Kemp Chris Kemp | Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board | September 8, 2023 | ||
/s/ Axel Martinez Axel Martinez | Chief Financial Officer | September 8, 2023 | ||
/s/ Adam London Adam London | Chief Technology Officer and Director | September 8, 2023 | ||
/s/ Julie A. Cullivan Julie A. Cullivan | Director | September 8, 2023 | ||
/s/ Michèle A. Flournoy Michèle A. Flournoy | Director | September 8, 2023 | ||
/s/ Michael E. Lehman Michael E. Lehman | Director | September 8, 2023 | ||
/s/ Lisa Nelson Lisa Nelson | Director | September 8, 2023 | ||
/s/ Scott Stanford Scott Stanford | Director | September 8, 2023 |
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