Rocket Lab USA, Inc. has once again proven its reliability as a leading launch and space systems company with the successful launch of its 35th Electron rocket from Mahia, New Zealand. The mission, named “The Beat Goes On,” deployed two multi-spectral Gen-2 satellites to low Earth orbit for BlackSky through launch services provider Spaceflight, Inc. This marks Rocket Lab’s seventh launch for BlackSky since 2019, helping to build out BlackSky’s growing real-time geospatial intelligence constellation.
Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck expressed his pride in delivering mission success once again for BlackSky and Spaceflight, stating that “Launching two successful missions just seven days apart from two different hemispheres is a real demonstration of responsive space in action, and successfully splashing down Electron’s first stage as part of our reusability program is the icing on the cake.”
In addition to delivering BlackSky’s satellites to orbit, Rocket Lab accomplished a successful ocean splashdown of Electron’s first stage in an effort to make Electron the world’s first reusable orbital small launch vehicle. Pending the outcome of assessments, Rocket Lab may choose to proceed with marine operations as the primary recovery method, opting to transition away from helicopter use.
Rocket Lab is on track to surpass its launch record of nine launches set in 2022 with 15 planned launches this year. Upcoming disclosed Electron missions in 2023 include two launches for the NASA TROPICS constellation, the first of five dedicated missions for Internet-of-Things (IoT) connectivity provider Kine´is; several launches for Capella Space, and the launch of a mission to demonstrate space debris removal technology by Astroscale Japan.
Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.