Author Topic: Rocket Lab launch schedule  (Read 257577 times)

Offline Comga

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Re: Rocket Lab launch schedule
« Reply #80 on: 07/07/2018 10:33 pm »
All scheduled launch vehicles are "Electron"

Not correct. There will be 2 versions : "Electron without upperstage" and "Electron with Curie upperstage"

Do we know that?

It's said by Rocket Lab on this page : https://www.rocketlabusa.com/electron/

"An optional apogee kick stage that can execute multiple burns..."

To that end, salo has added "/Curie" to each launch in his manifest with multiple satellites
My ipression is that this remains a guess, because multiple payloads would need some way to be dispersed and because salo has not posted a link to a source for Rocketlabs saying that these flights would include Curie. 
That's the opposite of excluding Curie for the Moon Express missions for which MX has discussed their propulsion system. To my knowledge these are the only flights for which propulsion has been announced.
The assumption is that items on our manifests are sourced.  Assuming the inclusion of Curie would not comport to that.
Again, my suggestion is to post just the sourced, non-redundant information.
What kind of wastrels would dump a perfectly good booster in the ocean after just one use?

Online Salo

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Re: Rocket Lab launch schedule
« Reply #81 on: 07/10/2018 09:02 pm »
Presser:
Rocket Lab to expand launch capability with US launch site 

Huntington Beach, California. 10 July 2018.

US orbital launch provider Rocket Lab has today confirmed plans to expand its launch capability by developing a US launch site, with four US space ports shortlisted to launch the Electron rocket. Final selection is underway with Cape Canaveral, Wallops Flight Facility, Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska and Vandenberg Air Force Base. A decision on the confirmed site, to be named Launch Complex 2, is expected to be made in August 2018. 

Designed to serve both commercial and US government missions, the US launch site expands on Rocket Lab’s ability to provide customers with the rapid, flexible and cost-effective access to orbit needed to support the increasing number of small satellites.

“The development of Rocket Lab’s US launch site strengthens our existing position as the industry leader providing frequent and tailored access to orbit for small satellites. Launching from US soil adds an extra layer of flexibility for our government and commercial customers, offering an unmatched ability to rapidly deploy space-based assets with confidence and precision,” said Rocket Lab founder and chief executive Peter Beck.

“We believe the launch process should be simple, seamless and tailored to our customers’ missions - from idea to orbit. Every aspect of the Electron orbital launch program is designed with this in mind and Launch Complex 2 is the next step in this strategy.”

The four potential launch sites are being assessed against a range of criteria, including anticipated pad construction cost and time-frame, regulatory lead times and ongoing costs once the site is operational. Rocket Lab is considering East and West coast options to explore a wide range of inclinations matched against current and anticipated manifest demand.

Launch Complex 2 will be designed to support monthly orbital launches. Once the final site is confirmed, construction will begin immediately, with the first mission from Launch Complex 2 slated for Q2 2019. Rocket Lab will construct its own pad infrastructure tailored to the Electron launch vehicle.   

The development of Launch Complex 2 will see Rocket Lab continue to expand Electron rocket production at the company’s headquarters in Huntington Beach, California, to supply complete launch vehicles for government and commercial customers. 

Rocket Lab already has the ability to launch more frequently than any other launch provider thanks to operating the world’s only private orbital launch facility, Launch Complex 1, on the Māhia Peninsula in New Zealand. Launch Complex 1 is licensed to launch up to every 72 hours.

Online gongora

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Re: Rocket Lab launch schedule
« Reply #82 on: 07/18/2018 09:39 pm »
Akash "MCNAIR" 12U CubeSat  to ~500km SSO around October 2019 (1288-EX-ST-2018)
Quote
1. Introduction

Akash Systems Inc. (referred to as “Akash”) is on a mission to improve the spectral efficiency of satellite communications systems with its patented GaN-on-Diamond technology. Founded in January 2016, Akash is composed of a veteran team of GaN and satellite innovators, and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA with an additional office in Dallas, TX.

Akash has incorporated its GaN-on-Diamond technology with a flight-proven software defined radio (SDR) into a compact form factor, and seeks authority to test its GaN Transmitter technology on a 12U CubeSat called “MCNAIR”.

2. Technical System Description

On October 1, 2019, MCNAIR will be launched from New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula on a Rocketlab Electron rocket to a sun-synchronous orbit targeted for an altitude of 500 km, and an inclination of 97.8 degrees. The demonstration is intended to begin on October 1, 2019 and end on April 1, 2020, but with CubeSat missions the launch window could slip in time. All emissions will cease after the six month demonstration is complete

MCNAIR is a 12U CubeSat that measures 23.9 cm by 22.9 cm by 36.6 cm stowed and has a mass of 19.9 kg
...

Online Salo

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Re: Rocket Lab launch schedule
« Reply #83 on: 07/22/2018 10:55 am »
Launched:
№ - Date/Time(UTC) - Rocket            - Launch Site   - Satellite(s)
         
2017

01 - May 25                  - Electron            - LC1 (NZ)         - test flight 1: ''It's a Test'' (launch failure)
       (04:24)



2018

01 - January 21            - Electron/Curie   - LC1 (NZ)       - test flight 2 ''Still testing'':
       (01:43)                                                                      Dove 0F1C (Dove Pioneer), LEMUR2-MARSHALL,
                                                                                         LEMUR2-TALLHAMN-ATC


Scheduled:
Date/Time(UTC)     - Rocket               - Launch Site   - Satellite(s)

2018

June   28-July 7         - Electron/Curie    - LC1 (NZ)         - It's Business Time:
NET Late July                                                                    Outernet 1, CICERO, Lemur-2 (x2), IRVINE01, NABEO,
Early November                                                                Proxima (x2)
(00:30-04:30)

NET July                   - Electron/Curie    - LC1 (NZ)          - ELaNa XIX:
August-September                                                           ANDESITE, CeREs, CHOMPTT, Da Vinci, ISX, NMTSat,
December                                                                         RSat-P, Shields 1, STF 1, CubeSail 1, CubeSail 2,
                                                                                        GeoStare, TomSat Eagle Scout, TomSat R3, SHFT 1
NET Q3                     - Electron             - LC1 (NZ)         - TBD
Q3                            - Electron             - LC1 (NZ)         - TBD
Q3                            - Electron             - LC1 (NZ)         - TBD
Q3                            - Electron             - LC1 (NZ)         - TBD

Q4                            - Electron/Curie    - LC1 (NZ)         - TBD


2019

NET Q3 2018  Q1     - Electron/Curie     - LC1 (NZ)        - Outernet 2, Outernet 3, ISILaunch cubesats
NET Q3 2018  Q1     - Electron/Curie     - LC1 (NZ)        - Dove / Flock-x (x20-25)
November 2018 Q1 - Electron/Curie     - LC1 (NZ)         - BlackSky Global 4
Q4 2018  Q1            - Electron/Curie     - LC1 (NZ)         - ICEYE X3 (ICEYE POC3)
Q1                           - Electron/Curie     - LC1 (NZ)         - Spaceflight mission
Q1                           - Electron              - LC1 (NZ)        - TBD
Q1                           - Electron              - LC1 (NZ)         - TBD
Q1                           - Electron              - LC1 (NZ)         - TBD

Q2                           - Electron              - TBD                 - TBD
Q2                           - Electron              - TBD                 - TBD
Q2                           - Electron              - TBD                 - TBD
Midyear                   - Electron/Curie     - LC1 (NZ)         - Kleos Scouting Mission (KSM)
  Q2   Q3                  - Electron              - LC2 (US)         - TBD
Q3                           - Electron              - TBD                 - TBD
Q3                           - Electron              - TBD                 - TBD
Q3                           - Electron              - TBD                 - TBD
October 1                - Electron              - LC1 (NZ)         - MCNAIR
Q4                           - Electron              - LC1 (NZ)         - Canon spacecrafts: CE-SAT 1 Mk.2, CE-SAT 2
Q4                           - Electron              - LC1 (NZ)         - Circle Aerospace mission
Q4                           - Electron              - TBD                 - TBD

Hosted payload:
Q1                           - Electron             - TBD                  - Ecliptic payload
Q2                           - Electron             - TBD                  - Ecliptic payload
Q3                           - Electron             - TBD                  - Ecliptic payload
Q4                           - Electron             - TBD                  - Ecliptic payload


Unclear:
Date/Time(UTC)   - Rocket                 - Launch Site   - Satellite(s)

2019                       - Electron               - LC1 (NZ)         - Moon Express mission Lunar Scout (orbiter)
2019                       - Electron/MX-1E    - TBD                 - Moon Express mission 1
2019                       - Electron/Curie      - TBD                - Capella 3, Capella 4, Capella 5
2019                       - Electron/Curie      - TBD                - Capella 6, Capella 7, Capella 8

NET 2020                - Electron                - LC1 (NZ)        - Circle Aerospace mission
NET 2020                - Electron                - LC1 (NZ)        - Circle Aerospace mission
NET 2020                - Electron                - LC1 (NZ)        - Circle Aerospace mission
NET 2020                - Electron                - LC1 (NZ)        - Circle Aerospace mission
NET 2020                - Electron                - LC1 (NZ)        - Circle Aerospace mission
NET 2020                - Electron                - LC1 (NZ)        - Circle Aerospace mission
NET 2020                - Electron                - LC1 (NZ)        - Circle Aerospace mission
NET 2020                - Electron                - LC1 (NZ)        - Circle Aerospace mission
NET 2020                - Electron                - LC1 (NZ)        - Circle Aerospace mission

TBD                         - Electron/Curie      - TBD                - Dove / Flock-y (x20-25)
TBD                         - Electron/Curie      - TBD                - Dove / Flock-z (x20-25)
TBD                         - Electron/SL-OMV  - LC3 (GB)         - TBD
TBD                         - Electron/MX-1E    - TBD                 - Moon Express mission 2   
TBD                         - Electron/MX-1E    - TBD                 - Moon Express mission 3
   
TBD                         - Electron/MX-2      - TBD                 - Moon Express mission 

LC1 (NZ) - launch site on the Mahia Peninsula on the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) of New Zealand
LC2 (US) - launch site on Wallops at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in Virginia  U.S.


Changes on July 22nd
Changes on August 6th
Changes on August 8th
Changes on August 9th
Changes on August 10th
Changes on September 20th
Changes on October 17th
Changes on October 29th
« Last Edit: 10/29/2018 09:59 pm by Salo »

Online Salo

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Online Salo

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Re: Rocket Lab launch schedule
« Reply #85 on: 08/07/2018 07:27 am »
https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1026483274590220289
Quote
Rocket Lab @RocketLab

New launch date! We're headed back to the pad for It's Business Time in November, with the ELaNa XIX mission for NASA to follow in December.

Online Salo

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Re: Rocket Lab launch schedule
« Reply #86 on: 08/08/2018 07:57 pm »
https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1026950243177426946
Quote
Chris B - NSF @NASASpaceflight

Rocket Lab signs agreement for ten dedicated Electron missions with Circle Aerospace. First launch targetting Q4 2019. All will be Electron missions launched from New Zealand.

Presser:
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=46140.0


Online Salo

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Re: Rocket Lab launch schedule
« Reply #87 on: 08/09/2018 07:58 am »
https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-announces-order-for-10-electron-launches-from-new-dubai-company/
Quote
Separately, Rocket Lab announced Aug. 7 a memorandum of understanding with Ecliptic Enterprises Corporation regarding hosted payloads on Electron launches. Under that agreement, Ecliptic will supply payloads from its customers that remain attached to the Electron’s kick stage after deployment of satellites on a given mission.

One such hosted payload will be flown on the next Electron launch, now scheduled for early November. A drag sail technology demonstrator called NABEO, developed by German company High Performance Space Structure Systems GmBH, will be tested on the kick stage after it deploys the other satellites on that flight. Ecliptic handled the payload integration as a pathfinder for this new agreement.

Ecliptic plans to fly hosted payloads on Electron launches roughly once a quarter, starting in the first quarter of 2019. That mission will feature a two-kilogram hosted payload provided by Ecliptic and Beyond Sensors LLC, with later missions carrying hosted payloads weighing up to 25 kilograms.

Online Salo

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Re: Rocket Lab launch schedule
« Reply #88 on: 08/10/2018 08:50 pm »
https://spacenews.com/capellas-first-satellite-launching-this-fall/
Quote
Capella satellites will weigh less than 40 kilograms, which means four will fit on a single Rocket Lab Electron rocket, said Payam Banazadeh, Capella co-founder and chief executive.

By launching four satellites on each rocket and sending rocket into different planes, Capella will “build a constellation of many planes and orbits with the least amount of operational and deployment complexity,” Banazadeh said. “It allows us to deploy our constellation efficiently in a shorter time frame and with less capital” than constellations of larger satellites.
...
Later in 2019, Capella plans to launch six additional satellites into two orbital planes.

Offline Comga

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Re: Rocket Lab launch schedule
« Reply #89 on: 08/20/2018 12:33 am »
https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1026483274590220289
Quote
Rocket Lab @RocketLab

New launch date! We're headed back to the pad for It's Business Time in November, with the ELaNa XIX mission for NASA to follow in December.

Huh?
On the pad, off the pad, on the pad, off the pad, and now an additional quarter year delay before going into a monthly pace?
A 9 month gap seems incongruous with in instant ramp-up.
What kind of wastrels would dump a perfectly good booster in the ocean after just one use?

Offline russianhalo117

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Re: Rocket Lab launch schedule
« Reply #90 on: 08/20/2018 05:02 am »
https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1026483274590220289
Quote
Rocket Lab @RocketLab

New launch date! We're headed back to the pad for It's Business Time in November, with the ELaNa XIX mission for NASA to follow in December.

Huh?
On the pad, off the pad, on the pad, off the pad, and now an additional quarter year delay before going into a monthly pace?
A 9 month gap seems incongruous with in instant ramp-up.
At this point all issues are due to ground components thus once solved and they figure out their weather launch constraints and limits then the flight rate is feasible.

Offline Olaf

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Re: Rocket Lab launch schedule
« Reply #91 on: 09/20/2018 07:39 am »
https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1042553844650012673
Quote
Welcome aboard #KleosSpace! We're thrilled to be launching Kleos' scouting mission satellites to form the cornerstones of a constellation to geolocate maritime radio transmissions that will guard borders, protect assets and save lives. More here: https://bit.ly/2NYDgBx

Offline Comga

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Re: Rocket Lab launch schedule
« Reply #92 on: 09/24/2018 03:37 pm »
https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1042553844650012673
Quote
Welcome aboard #KleosSpace! We're thrilled to be launching Kleos' scouting mission satellites to form the cornerstones of a constellation to geolocate maritime radio transmissions that will guard borders, protect assets and save lives. More here: https://bit.ly/2NYDgBx

An article in Space News says "Kleos Space, a company developing a constellation of satellites for radiofrequency geolocation work, will launch its first satellites in 2019 with Rocket Lab under a deal announced Sept. 19."

edit:  That would increase Brad Schneider's graph two posts back from 2 more launches in 2018 and 15 in 2019 to 2 and 16.
« Last Edit: 09/24/2018 04:03 pm by Comga »
What kind of wastrels would dump a perfectly good booster in the ocean after just one use?

Online gongora

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Re: Rocket Lab launch schedule
« Reply #93 on: 09/25/2018 05:49 pm »
the number of cubesats being launched is not equal to the number of launches.

Online gongora

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Re: Rocket Lab launch schedule
« Reply #94 on: 10/15/2018 02:31 pm »
the number of cubesats being launched is not equal to the number of launches.

What I meant was that I don't assume an announcement of a new customer for RocketLab necessarily increases the number of launches on the manifest because many of them will be rideshares.  It might increase the number of launches, just hard to tell without more information.

Online Salo

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Re: Rocket Lab launch schedule
« Reply #95 on: 10/17/2018 05:57 pm »
https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1052560009429540866
Quote
Chris B - NSF @NASASpaceflight

Support at least 12 launches a year. First launch 3rd quarter of next year.
« Last Edit: 10/17/2018 05:59 pm by Salo »

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Offline Comga

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Re: Rocket Lab launch schedule
« Reply #98 on: 10/29/2018 11:43 pm »
https://www.zdnet.com/article/rocket-lab-and-fleet-space-to-launch-cubesat-next-month/

from an earlier CNet article in June:
Quote
Rocket Lab is about to get a sizable leg up on its competition, which includes Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit, Firefly Aerospace and others still trying to get off the ground.

That "leg up" is looking less and less "sizable" as the months tick by.  But .....

November 11:

https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1057361750276730880
« Last Edit: 10/31/2018 04:24 am by Comga »
What kind of wastrels would dump a perfectly good booster in the ocean after just one use?

Online Salo

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Re: Rocket Lab launch schedule
« Reply #99 on: 10/30/2018 07:57 am »
http://www.spacetechasia.com/rocket-lab-to-launch-2-more-satellites-from-australias-fleet-space-in-nov-11-mission/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Quote
The satellites have been added to the manifest for Rocket Lab’s upcoming mission, ‘It’s Business Time’, scheduled for launch on November 11 from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex-1 on New Zealand’s Māhia Peninsula.

The Fleet satellites will join other payloads for the launch:  two Spire Global Lemur-2 satellites, the Irvine CubeSat STEM Program (ICSP) IRVINE01 educational CubeSat, NABEO, a drag sail technology demonstrator designed and built by High Performance Space Structure Systems GmBH and a GeoOptics Inc. satellite, built by Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems.

The Proxima I and II satellites are a pair of identical 1.5 U CubeSats designed and built by Fleet.

 

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