ACS3Launch TimeNET June, 2023...LocationRocket Lab LC-1A, Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand
Alongside its results, Rocket Lab announced a contract for four Electron launches from @capellaspace, with those missions scheduled to begin in the second half of the year.
Rocket Lab Plans Two Launches Days Apart From Two ContinentsRocket Lab prepares to launch two dedicated Electron missions in March from the Company’s two launch sites across Virginia and New ZealandFebruary 28, 2023 04:17 PM Eastern Standard TimeLONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a leading launch and space systems company, today announced it is preparing to launch two dedicated missions in March from the Company’s launch sites in the United States and New Zealand - within days of each other.One Electron rocket is ready and in position at Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand to deploy satellites for Spaceflight Inc. customer BlackSky (NYSE: BKSY), a real-time geospatial intelligence company. Meanwhile, a second rocket is simultaneously undergoing final launch preparations at Launch Complex 2 in Virginia to deploy satellites for American space tech company Capella Space, the world’s leading provider of commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery.Both launches are scheduled to take place in March with the launch windows to be finalized based on individual customer and range requirements; however, both missions are expected to launch within days of each other. Capella Space’s two satellites have been integrated to Electron at Launch Complex 2 and are ready for launch, while BlackSky’s two satellites are undergoing final check outs before integration to Electron at Launch Complex 1. Rocket Lab has also completed a Wet Dress Rehearsal at Launch Complex 2 and the mission is now awaiting range clearances from NASA and the FAA to proceed with launch. Meanwhile, Launch Complex 1’s Wet Dress Rehearsal is scheduled to take place in the coming days.Running simultaneous launch campaigns across two continents once again demonstrates Rocket Lab’s ability to deliver responsive and flexible launch solutions to the small satellite market. The upcoming missions are expected to best Rocket Lab’s previous launch turnaround record set at Launch Complex 1 in 2022 when Rocket Lab launched the CAPSTONE mission to the Moon for NASA followed by a dedicated mission for the National Reconnaissance Office 15 days later.Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck says: “The ability to run simultaneous launch campaigns and deliver a rapid launch cadence is exactly what Electron and our launch sites were built for. We’re dedicated to serving the responsive space needs of our customers across commercial and government space. It’s not a capability we’re promising in the future, it’s a reality that we’re delivering on right now.”About the Capella Space Launch Mission Name: Stronger Together Payload: Two SAR satellites Launch Site: Launch Complex 2, Wallops Island, Virginia, USARocket Lab will deliver to orbit two SAR satellites for San Francisco-based Capella Space. Capella provides the best quality, high-resolution SAR imagery to customers globally for a wide range of government and commercial applications. The “Stronger Together” mission carrying Capella Space’s two 100-kg class satellites will expand Capella’s existing SAR constellation, increasing imaging capacity to meet growing customer demand. Capella Space delivers the highest-quality, highest-resolution SAR imagery commercially available with the fastest order-to-delivery time, empowering organizations across the public and private sector to make informed, accurate decisions. Its satellite imaging technology can penetrate all weather conditions and capture clear imagery 24-7, day and night, delivering accurate and timely data about what is happening across the Earth at any given moment. With this latest launch into low Earth orbit, Capella Space will expand its market-leading SAR satellite constellation in response to increased customer demand for SAR data.Rocket Lab has delivered a Capella satellite to space previously on the “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Optical” mission in August 2020. Supporting Rocket Lab’s vertical integration strategy, Rocket Lab will also supply Capella Space with two of the Company’s own Motorized Lightbands; separation systems designed to separate the Capella satellites from Electron once in orbit.About the BlackSky Launch Mission Name: The Beat Goes On Payload: Two Earth-imaging satellites Launch Site: Launch Complex 1, Mahia, New ZealandRocket Lab will deliver to orbit two Earth-imaging satellites for BlackSky through global launch services provider Spaceflight, Inc. “The Beat Goes On” mission will deliver BlackSky’s high-resolution Gen-2 satellites to low Earth orbit, adding capacity to the company’s real-time geospatial intelligence and monitoring capabilities. BlackSky delivers on-demand, high-frequency imagery, monitoring, and analytics of the most critical and strategic locations, economic assets, and events in the world.“The Beat Goes On” is the final mission of a multi-launch agreement with launch services provider Spaceflight, Inc., who managed the integration and launch services for BlackSky. As part of the agreement, BlackSky satellites have been launched on five previous Electron missions since 2021. Rocket Lab also delivered two BlackSky satellites to orbit prior to 2021, bringing the total number of BlackSky satellites deployed to orbit by Electron to nine.Rocket Lab is also expecting to conduct a marine recovery operation for this mission to return the Electron first stage to its manufacturing facilities after launch.
Rocket Lab Signs Multi-Launch Deal to Deploy Satellite Constellation for Capella SpaceLong Beach and San Francisco, California. February 28, 2023 – Rocket Lab USA, Inc (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a leading launch and space systems company, today announced it has secured a multi-launch deal for a rapid succession of four Electron missions for Capella Space, an American space tech company and the world’s leading provider of commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery.Scheduled for launch beginning in the second half of 2023, each Electron mission will deploy a single SAR Earth-imaging Acadia satellite, a new generation satellite designed, manufactured, and operated by Capella Space, to low Earth orbit. These missions, scheduled to launch in quick succession, will follow an existing launch on the Rocket Lab manifest for Capella Space, the “Stronger Together” mission which is scheduled to lift off from Launch Complex 2 in Wallops, Virginia in March 2023. Capella Space is a returning customer to Electron, with Rocket Lab having launched a dedicated mission for the SAR company in August 2020. The multi-rocket launch commitment demonstrates Rocket Lab’s proven ability to deliver streamlined access to space and allows Capella to meet growing customer demand for Capella SAR technology that can gather miages 24/7 and through clouds or darkness.Rocket Lab CEO and founder, Peter Beck, says: “We delivered mission success for Capella in our first mission for them in 2020 and now we’re thrilled they’ve entrusted us with a further five missions to help expand their growing SAR constellation. We’re proud to provide the team at Capella with a reliable ride to space, combined with the flexibility of two launch sites in different hemispheres to enable flexibility and responsiveness.”Capella Space CEO and founder, Payam Banazadeh, says: “We are experiencing increased market demand for our highest-quality SAR data, and this announcement underscores Capella’s strong commitment to our global customers across the defence and intelligence and commercial markets. We are excited for the multiple launches with Rocket Lab, including the introduction of our new generation Acadia satellite technology, to further enhance our market-leading capabilities of high-frequency, best quality SAR imagery with the fastest order-to-delivery speeds of any commercial SAR provider.”The four newly-signed missions are planned to lift-off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand – however, Rocket Lab has provided Capella Space with the flexibility to move any of the missions to Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 in Wallops, Virginia if required as the mission campaigns progress in order to meet optimum customer and mission requirements. By operating three orbital launch pads across two continents, Rocket Lab’s responsive and flexible launch solution enables assured access to orbit for Capella Space to quickly and reliably increase their constellation’s capacity and orbital diversity to meet growing demands for its SAR imagery and analysis.In addition to providing the launch service, each Capella Space mission will feature separation systems produced by Rocket Lab in line with the Company’s vertical integration strategy.Capella Space joins a growing list of commercial constellation operators who have entrusted Rocket Lab to deploy their spacecraft to precise orbits on dependable schedules including: BlackSky Global, Hawkeye 360, Synspective, Kineis, Planet, Spire, Fleet Space and more. Kineis is scheduled to begin late 2023.
Stronger TogetherLaunch TimeNET March, 2023...Mission DetailsStronger TogetherThe mission dubbed "Stronger Together" carries Capella Space's Capella 9 and 10 satellites. The improved satellites are about twice as large as the Capella 1 (Denali) prototype to accommodate a bigger sensor aperture for the X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) that can provide high-contrast, low-noise high-resolution sub-0.5 meter imagery. For this, it features a new 3.5 meter aperture deployed mesh-based reflector antenna.Payloads: 2Total Mass: 224 kgLow Earth OrbitLocationRocket Lab LC-2 (LP-0C), Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA
The Beat Goes OnLaunch TimeNET March, 2023...BlackSky 9 and 10BlackSky 9 and 10 are part of sixty high-resolution Earth observation microsatellites in the BlackSky constellation. This constellation will provide real-time earth observation. the constellation is built by Blacksky, a SpaceFlight Subsidiary, and the satellites are produced by LeoStella LLC, a joint venture of Spaceflight Industries and Thales Alenia Space.The second generation of satellites has improved solar arrays and better imaging equipment.Payloads: 2Total Mass: 224 kgLow Earth OrbitLocationMāhia Peninsula, New Zealand
Acadia Mission 1Launch TimeNET July, 2023
Acadia Mission 2Launch TimeNET August, 2023
Acadia Mission 3Launch TimeNET September, 2023
Acadia Mission 4Launch TimeNET October, 2023
Rocket Lab @RocketLabLaunch alert for LC-2! 🚀 The launch window for our next mission for @capellaspace has been set. Excited to be heading back to the pad at @NASA_Wallops @virginia_space .Stronger Together:Mar 11, ET | 6pmMar 11, UTC | 11pmMar 11, PT | 3pmMar 11, MT | 4pmMar 12, NZDT | 12pm
Cancel-and-replace NGA notice. The next attempt is NET March 14 at 22:00-00:00 UTC (18:00-20:00 EDT).Quote from: NGA112121Z MAR 23NAVAREA IV 272/23(12, 13, 25).WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.VIRGINIA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS ROCKET LAUNCHING 2130Z TO 0100Z DAILY 14 THRU 18 MAR IN AREAS BOUND BY: A. 38-00.00N 075-01.00W, 38-01.00N 075-17.00W, 37-55.00N 075-21.00W, 37-53.00N 075-27.00W, 37-51.00N 075-32.00W, 37-44.00N 075-34.00W, 37-31.00N 075-14.00W, 37-24.00N 074-38.00W, 37-00.00N 073-32.00W, 37-00.00N 072-40.00W, 37-01.00N 072-40.00W. B. 37-01.00N 072-40.00W, 37-00.00N 072-40.00W, 37-00.00N 073-32.00W, 35-47.00N 070-41.00W, 36-07.00N 070-26.00W. C. 35-52.00N 069-34.00W, 36-00.00N 070-07.00W, 36-07.00N 070-26.00W, 35-47.00N 070-41.00W, 35-44.00N 070-33.00W, 34-29.00N 068-45.00W, 34-33.00N 067-44.00W, 35-18.00N 067-57.00W. D. 31-03.00N 060-52.00W, 30-43.00N 061-07.00W, 29-17.00N 058-38.00W, 29-37.00N 058-22.00W.2. CANCEL NAVAREA IV 252/23.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 180200Z MAR 23.
112121Z MAR 23NAVAREA IV 272/23(12, 13, 25).WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.VIRGINIA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS ROCKET LAUNCHING 2130Z TO 0100Z DAILY 14 THRU 18 MAR IN AREAS BOUND BY: A. 38-00.00N 075-01.00W, 38-01.00N 075-17.00W, 37-55.00N 075-21.00W, 37-53.00N 075-27.00W, 37-51.00N 075-32.00W, 37-44.00N 075-34.00W, 37-31.00N 075-14.00W, 37-24.00N 074-38.00W, 37-00.00N 073-32.00W, 37-00.00N 072-40.00W, 37-01.00N 072-40.00W. B. 37-01.00N 072-40.00W, 37-00.00N 072-40.00W, 37-00.00N 073-32.00W, 35-47.00N 070-41.00W, 36-07.00N 070-26.00W. C. 35-52.00N 069-34.00W, 36-00.00N 070-07.00W, 36-07.00N 070-26.00W, 35-47.00N 070-41.00W, 35-44.00N 070-33.00W, 34-29.00N 068-45.00W, 34-33.00N 067-44.00W, 35-18.00N 067-57.00W. D. 31-03.00N 060-52.00W, 30-43.00N 061-07.00W, 29-17.00N 058-38.00W, 29-37.00N 058-22.00W.2. CANCEL NAVAREA IV 252/23.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 180200Z MAR 23.
NGA notices.Quote from: NGA111124Z MAR 23HYDROPAC 819/23(76).WESTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.NEW ZEALAND.DNC 06.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 0245Z TO 1415Z DAILY 16 THRU 31 MAR IN AREA BOUND BY 39-12.00S 177-51.00E, 39-12.00S 178-00.00E, 39-18.00S 178-27.00E, 39-30.00S 178-27.00E, 39-18.00S 177-48.00E, 39-15.00S 177-48.00E.2. CANCEL THIS MSG 311515Z MAR 23.Quote from: NGA111129Z MAR 23HYDROPAC 820/23(76,83).SOUTH PACIFIC.DNC 06.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS 0245Z TO 1415Z DAILY 16 THRU 31 MAR IN AREAS BOUND BY: A. 40-06.00S 176-30.00W, 40-42.00S 172-30.00W, 41-36.00S 172-48.00W, 40-54.00S 177-00.00W. B. 41-42.00S 165-00.00W, 41-51.00S 159-54.00W, 42-27.00S 159-54.00W, 42-18.00S 165-00.00W.2. CANCEL THIS MSG 311515Z MAR 23.
111124Z MAR 23HYDROPAC 819/23(76).WESTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.NEW ZEALAND.DNC 06.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 0245Z TO 1415Z DAILY 16 THRU 31 MAR IN AREA BOUND BY 39-12.00S 177-51.00E, 39-12.00S 178-00.00E, 39-18.00S 178-27.00E, 39-30.00S 178-27.00E, 39-18.00S 177-48.00E, 39-15.00S 177-48.00E.2. CANCEL THIS MSG 311515Z MAR 23.
111129Z MAR 23HYDROPAC 820/23(76,83).SOUTH PACIFIC.DNC 06.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS 0245Z TO 1415Z DAILY 16 THRU 31 MAR IN AREAS BOUND BY: A. 40-06.00S 176-30.00W, 40-42.00S 172-30.00W, 41-36.00S 172-48.00W, 40-54.00S 177-00.00W. B. 41-42.00S 165-00.00W, 41-51.00S 159-54.00W, 42-27.00S 159-54.00W, 42-18.00S 165-00.00W.2. CANCEL THIS MSG 311515Z MAR 23.
Rocket Lab @RocketLabBased on the weather forecast this week, we are currently targeting no earlier than March 15th, 6-8pm ET for @capellaspace from @NASA_Wallops . Stay tuned for updates closer to then.
Mission Name Stronger TogetherRocket ElectronElectron Name Stronger TogetherLaunch Window NET March 16, 2023Launch Time 18:00-20:00 ETLaunch Site Launch Complex 2
Jeff Foust @jeff_foustRocket Lab's Richard French: manifest of 15 Electron launches this year. First Neutron launch planned by end of 2024.
William Harwood @cbs_spacenewsElectron/Capella: LIFTOFF! At 6:38:59pm EST (2238 UTC)
Mission Name The Beat Goes OnRocket ElectronElectron Name The Beat Goes OnLaunch Window Launch window opens March 2023Launch Time TBCLaunch Site Launch Complex 1 - Pad B
Rocket Lab @RocketLabIt’s a one-two punch of Electron missions this month! Our next launch for @BlackSky_Inc & @SpaceflightInc is NET March 22. We’re back at LC-1 & will attempt an ocean recovery. The Beat Goes On:Mar 22, UTC | 8:45AMMar 22, NZDT | 9:45PMMar 22, EDT | 4:45AMMar 22, PDT | 1:45AM
The Beat Goes OnLaunch Window: NET March 24Launch Time: 07:45 AM UTC
Rocket Lab @RocketLabElectron's starting to get frosty as LOX loading is underway for tonight's #TheBeatGoesOn mission from LC-1.Lift-off set for:🚀NZDT | 20:56🚀UTC | 07:56🚀EDT | 03:56🚀PDT | 00:56
