Astra investigating ‘potential illegal short selling’ as delisting deadline looms

Spacecraft engine manufacturer and small rocket builder Astra announced on Friday that the company is investigating “potential illegal short selling” among shareholders of its common stock.

The company said it hired financial software firm ShareIntel to assist with its review of “suspicious, aberrant or unusual trading activity.”

“Astra remains committed to protecting our investors and maximizing stockholder value,” Chairman and CEO Chris Kemp said in a statement.

The announcement comes as Astra faces a delisting deadline issued by the Nasdaq last year. With shares at 47 cents as of Friday’s open, Astra has until April 4 for its stock price to return above $1 a share for at least ten consecutive business days, or it would receive a Nasdaq delisting notice. If that happens, Astra is able to appeal the delisting before a Nasdaq hearings panel.

Astra is expected to report fourth-quarter results after market close on Mar. 30.