Electron acceleration with advanced injection methods at the ASTRA laser

Recent electron acceleration results from the \uppercase{ASTRA} laser facility are presented. Experiments were performed using both the 40~TW ASTRA and the 350~TW ASTRA-Gemini laser. Fundamental electron beam properties relating to its quality were investigated both experimentally and with PIC simulations. For increased control over such parameters, various injection mechanisms such as self-injection and ionization injection were employed. Particular interest is given to the dynamics of ionization injected electrons in strongly driven wakes.