Rocket Lab @RocketLabWelcome to launch day! Today we’re launching a satellite for @capellaspace!🚀Mission: We Love The Nightlife⏰ Time: 23:45 UTC / 11:45 NZST📺 Webcast: http://Rocketlabusa.com/live-stream
Mission Name: The Moon God AwakesRocket: ElectronElectron Name: The Moon God AwakensLaunch Window: NET September 2023Launch Time: TBCLaunch Site: Launch Complex 1
Mission OverviewRocket Lab will launch a dedicated Electron mission for the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS), a Japan-based Earth imaging company. iQPS was originally manifested on another launch vehicle, but iQPS has now selected Rocket Lab to launch QPS-SAR-5 on a dedicated Electron mission to expedite the deployment.The launch is scheduled for lift-off in September 2023 and will carry iQPS’s QPS-SAR-5 satellite named “TSUKUYOMI-I” into orbit on a dedicated Electron mission from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand. The mission has been named “The Moon God Awakens” in acknowledgement of Tsukuyomi, the Japanese God of the Moon.QPS-SAR-5 is a synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) satellite that will join a constellation after QPS-SAR-6 already in orbit. iQPS’s satellites are small, high-performance SAR satellites that use a lightweight, large, stowable antenna to collect high resolution images of Earth, even through clouds and adverse weather conditions. Ultimately, the iQPS constellation is planned to have 36 satellites capable of monitoring specific fixed points on Earth every 10 minutes.In addition to being launched by Electron, the QPS-SAR-5 satellite will use Rocket Lab’s Mark II Motorized Lightband (MLB) as its separation system demonstrating the Company’s vertically integrated space systems strategy.
https://twitter.com/NASAOIG/status/1699444797029716230QuoteNASA OIG @NASAOIGWe examined NASA’s Earth System Science Pathfinder program to assess its efforts to monitor the planet’s climate and help develop solutions for addressing the threats of climate change. https://oig.nasa.gov/docs/IG-23-018
NASA OIG @NASAOIGWe examined NASA’s Earth System Science Pathfinder program to assess its efforts to monitor the planet’s climate and help develop solutions for addressing the threats of climate change. https://oig.nasa.gov/docs/IG-23-018
Rocket Lab @RocketLabAfter our last launch just weeks ago for @capellaspace, we’re back again with another launch for them NET Sept 19th.This is the 2nd of 4 dedicated missions to deploy their new Acadia satellites for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Earth-imaging 🛰️🌎
Mission Name We Will Never Desert YouRocket ElectronElectron Name We Will Never Desert YouLaunch Window NET September 19, 2023Launch Time TBCLaunch Site Launch Complex 1Mission Overview‘We Will Never Desert You’ is scheduled to launch from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 (LC-1) on the Mahia Peninsula for American space tech company Capella Space, a provider of commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery.‘We Will Never Desert You’ will be Rocket Lab’s third launch for Capella in 2023, and second launch in a multi-launch contract of four missions to deploy Capella’s new Acadia satellites to low Earth orbit. As Capella’s sole launch provider in 2023 to build out the company’s Earth-imaging constellation, earlier missions in 2023 for the company include ‘We Love The Nightlife’ launched from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand in August, 2023, and ‘Stronger Together’ launched from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 in Wallops, Virginia in March 2023. Each Capella Space mission will also be supported by a Rocket Lab manufactured Motorized Lightband; separation systems for each satellite to attach to and deploy from Electron once launched to orbit.
https://investors.rocketlabusa.com/news/news-details/2023/Rocket-Lab-Signs-Deal-with-Leidos-to-Launch-Four-HASTE-Missions/default.aspxQuoteRocket Lab Signs Deal with Leidos to Launch Four HASTE MissionsSeptember 12, 2023The four new missions follow on from the success of Rocket Lab’s first HASTE launch for Leidos in June this yearLONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has signed a contract with Leidos to launch four HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) missions.The missions, scheduled across 2024 and 2025, will lift off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 at Virginia’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. Rocket Lab was selected by Leidos to provide hypersonic test launch capabilities with HASTE under the MACH-TB project. The project was awarded by Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane through the Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S2MARTS) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) vehicle on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense Test Resource Management Center (TRMC).“Our first HASTE mission in June this year successfully demonstrated HASTE’s ability to accelerate the cadence of hypersonic flight testing for the nation. We’re proud to now follow it up with a series of four additional missions for Leidos to support hypersonic technology innovation and technology maturation,” said Brian Rogers, Senior Director – Global Launch Services.Rocket Lab’s HASTE suborbital launch vehicle is derived from the Company’s Electron rocket but has been modified to support hypersonic payload deployment. By leveraging the heritage of Rocket Lab’s low-cost Electron – the world’s most frequently launched commercial small launch vehicle – HASTE offers true commercial testing capability at a fraction of the cost of current full-scale tests.Rocket Lab launched the first HASTE mission on 17 June 2023 for Leidos under the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) program.HASTE is operated under Rocket Lab National Security (RLNS), the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary created to serve the unique needs of the U.S. defense and intelligence community and its allies.For more information about HASTE, visit rocketlabusa.com/launch/haste.+ About Rocket LabFounded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle, the Photon satellite platform and the Company is developing the large Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 171 satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a third launch pad in Virginia. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.Photo caption:QuoteRocket Lab's HASTE launch vehicle on the pad at Launch Complex 2 in Wallops, Virginia. Image credit: Austin Adams.
Rocket Lab Signs Deal with Leidos to Launch Four HASTE MissionsSeptember 12, 2023The four new missions follow on from the success of Rocket Lab’s first HASTE launch for Leidos in June this yearLONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has signed a contract with Leidos to launch four HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) missions.The missions, scheduled across 2024 and 2025, will lift off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 at Virginia’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. Rocket Lab was selected by Leidos to provide hypersonic test launch capabilities with HASTE under the MACH-TB project. The project was awarded by Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane through the Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S2MARTS) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) vehicle on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense Test Resource Management Center (TRMC).“Our first HASTE mission in June this year successfully demonstrated HASTE’s ability to accelerate the cadence of hypersonic flight testing for the nation. We’re proud to now follow it up with a series of four additional missions for Leidos to support hypersonic technology innovation and technology maturation,” said Brian Rogers, Senior Director – Global Launch Services.Rocket Lab’s HASTE suborbital launch vehicle is derived from the Company’s Electron rocket but has been modified to support hypersonic payload deployment. By leveraging the heritage of Rocket Lab’s low-cost Electron – the world’s most frequently launched commercial small launch vehicle – HASTE offers true commercial testing capability at a fraction of the cost of current full-scale tests.Rocket Lab launched the first HASTE mission on 17 June 2023 for Leidos under the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) program.HASTE is operated under Rocket Lab National Security (RLNS), the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary created to serve the unique needs of the U.S. defense and intelligence community and its allies.For more information about HASTE, visit rocketlabusa.com/launch/haste.+ About Rocket LabFounded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle, the Photon satellite platform and the Company is developing the large Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 171 satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a third launch pad in Virginia. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.
Rocket Lab's HASTE launch vehicle on the pad at Launch Complex 2 in Wallops, Virginia. Image credit: Austin Adams.
TOKYO -- A demonstration satellite scheduled to be launched within fiscal 2023 that aims to approach space debris, apparently in the first attempt of its kind in the world, was shown to the press on Sept. 7.The satellite, dubbed ADRAS-J, was unveiled by Tokyo-based venture Astroscale Japan Inc., which is developing technology to remove space debris including the remains of satellites and rockets that have reached the end of their operational lives.
HawkEye 360 reaches inflection point on path to profitabilitySeptember 14, 2023[...]That data comes from 21 satellites currently in orbit. Six more are scheduled to launch later this year on a Rocket Lab Electron from New Zealand. The company’s long-term goal is to have 60 satellites, in 20 three-satellite clusters, which Serafini said the company expects to achieve by 2025 or 2026.[...]
Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3)Launch Timeframe: Q1 CY2024Demonstrate deployment of the composite boom solar sail in low-Earth orbit. The unfurled solar sail will measure approximately 84 m2
Press kit is out: https://www.rocketlabusa.com/assets/Uploads/FINAL-Capella-We-Will-Never-Desert-You-Press-Kit.pdfLaunch time for September 19 is 06:30 UTC, from Pad B, with the daily launch time moving up 15 minutes per day. Target orbit is 635 km altitude @ 53 degrees inclination.
https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1703506709673861175Quote We've got two Electrons ready to go at LC-1 for back-to-back missions with @capellaspace and @QPS_Inc! With wet dress rehearsal complete and clear weather ahead, the countdown is on to tomorrow's mission for Capella."We Will Never Desert You" launch details:🚀NET 18:30 NZT🛰️ Acadia 2🌎 635km LEO
We've got two Electrons ready to go at LC-1 for back-to-back missions with @capellaspace and @QPS_Inc! With wet dress rehearsal complete and clear weather ahead, the countdown is on to tomorrow's mission for Capella."We Will Never Desert You" launch details:🚀NET 18:30 NZT🛰️ Acadia 2🌎 635km LEO
Lift-off for “We Will Never Desert You,” carrying the next generation Acadia SAR satellite for @CapellaSpace. [06:55 UTC]
The launch director has called an anomaly, resulting in the end of the mission. We'll share more information as it comes to hand.
Rocket Lab Launch UpdateSeptember 19, 2023 04:49 AM Eastern Daylight TimeMAHIA, New Zealand--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), today experienced an issue during the launch of the Company’s 41st mission. Following lift-off from Launch Complex 1, the rocket successfully completed a first stage burn and stage separation as planned, before an issue was experienced at around T+ 2 minutes and 30 seconds into flight, resulting in the end of the mission.We are deeply sorry to our partners Capella Space for the loss of the mission.We are working closely with the FAA and supporting agencies as the investigation into the root cause commences. The Electron rocket has previously delivered 171 satellites to orbit across 37 successful orbital missions. We will identify the issue swiftly and implement corrective actions and return to the pad shortly.Our next mission, currently scheduled before the end of the third quarter, will be postponed while we implement corrective actions. We anticipate providing revised third quarter revenue guidance in the coming days.
LAS VEGAS — Rocket Lab is preparing to return its Electron rocket to flight before the end of the year as it completes an investigation into a launch failure in September.In an Oct. 25 statement, the company said it received authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration to resume launches under its existing launch license from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand.
Rocket Lab Sets Next Electron Launch Window, Provides Update on Anomaly ReviewNovember 8, 2023Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has set a return to launch window for its Electron launch vehicle.Rocket Lab will return to the pad at Launch Complex 1 with a dedicated Electron mission for Japan-based Earth imaging company iQPS (Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc.) during a launch window which opens on November 28th, 2023 and extends into December.[...]
Rocket Lab $RKLB has 22 Electron missions booked for next year:
Rocket Lab pushes to get launch business back on track, with 22 Electron missions booked next yearPUBLISHED WED, NOV 8 20234:55 PM EST UPDATED 15 MIN AGOMichael Sheetz@IN/MICHAELJSHEETZ@THESHEETZTWEETZKEY POINTSRocket Lab is pushing to get its launch business back on track by the end of the year, reporting on Wednesday third-quarter results that saw continued strength in its space systems division.The company reported a net loss of $40.6 million, or 8 cents per share, just edging out a loss of 9 cents a share expected, according to analysts surveyed by LSEG (formerly Refinitiv).Rocket Lab has “fully” booked up its schedule of Electron missions for next year, with 22 launches currently expected in 2024.
