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Electron: NorthStar (x4): Four Of A Kind : Mahia LC-1 : 31 Jan. 2024 (06:34 UTC)
by
GewoonLukas_
on 22 Jun, 2023 05:52
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Thread for the launch of the "Four Of A Kind" mission carrying 4 NorthStar Earth & Space satellites on Electron from LC-1 NET 31 January 2024 between 06:15 and 07:00 UTC. First stage to be recovered by splashdown in the ocean.Previously set to launch on Virgin Orbit's LauncherOne, but moved to Electron following Virgin Orbit's bankruptcy.
Cross-post:
NorthStar pivots to Rocket Lab following Virgin Orbit’s collapse
June 22, 2023
Canada’s NorthStar Earth and Space has signed a multi-launch deal with Rocket Lab after Virgin Orbit’s bankruptcy shattered plans to start deploying its space situational awareness (SSA) satellites this summer.
Rocket Lab is contracted to launch the venture’s first four satellites this fall on an Electron rocket, NorthStar announced June 22.
NorthStar had planned to launch three satellites in its initial batch with Virgin Orbit, before the air-launch company fell into bankruptcy in April.
[...]
He said the agreement with Rocket Lab includes another two missions of four satellites that could start launching as early as next year.
[...]
Saint-Germain said Rocket Lab is slated to deploy NorthStar’s initial batch of satellites from its launch site in New Zealand.
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#1
by
GewoonLukas_
on 06 Dec, 2023 21:24
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Satellites are being prepared for shipment to New Zealand:
NorthStar raises $15 million for debris-tracking satellites waiting on Rocket Lab
December 6, 2023
[...]
NorthStar pivoted to Rocket Lab for a fall launch only to face another delay following the September failure of the company’s Electron rocket to deploy an imaging satellite for Capella Space.
After completing an investigation into the failure, Rocket Lab recently said it expects to return to flight from its launchpad in New Zealand no earlier than Dec. 13, with a mission for Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space. (iQPS), a Japan-based Earth imaging company.
NorthStar was second in line to launch before Rocket Lab’s September failure.
Rocket Lab said it plans to share details of the next mission in the queue after launching iQPS. The company’s fastest turnaround record to date between Electron launches is seven days.
Stewart Bain, NorthStar’s CEO, declined to say where its satellites are now in Rocket Lab’s pipeline but said they are currently being packed at Spire’s facilities in Glasgow, Scotland, to be shipped soon to New Zealand.
[...]
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#2
by
Galactic Penguin SST
on 10 Dec, 2023 16:18
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#3
by
Galactic Penguin SST
on 05 Jan, 2024 23:27
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#4
by
GewoonLukas_
on 06 Jan, 2024 06:23
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#5
by
GewoonLukas_
on 08 Jan, 2024 20:26
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Scheduled for NET January 18th between 06:15 and 07:00 UTC:
Rocket Lab to Launch Space Situational Awareness Mission for Spire and NorthStar
January 8, 2024
ONG 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 set the launch window for its first mission of 2024.
The ‘Four of a Kind’ mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than January 18 between 19:15-20:00 NZT (January 18 between 06:15-07:00 UTC) from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. The mission will deploy four Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellites for Spire Global, Inc’s (Spire) customer NorthStar Earth & Space (NorthStar). NorthStar´s satellites, built and operated by Spire, will be the first to simultaneously monitor all near-Earth orbits from space, delivering a radically enhanced level of SSA services to the global satellite community, with timely and precise information for space object detection, tracking, orbit determination, collision avoidance, navigation, and proximity alerts.
As a secondary mission, Rocket Lab will be attempting to splash down and retrieve Electron’s first stage as part of the Company’s plan to evolve Electron into a reusable rocket. After launch and stage separation, Electron’s first stage will return to Earth under a parachute and splash down in the Pacific Ocean several hundred kilometers down range from Launch Complex 1. Rocket Lab’s recovery vessel will extract the stage from the water for transportation back to Rocket Lab’s production complex where it will undergo detailed analysis. Rocket Lab is not launching any pre-flown engines as part of this mission.
[...]
‘Four of a Kind’ will be Rocket Lab’s first launch as part of a sold-out launch manifest for 2024 and will be the Company’s 43rd Electron mission overall.
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#6
by
Ken the Bin
on 09 Jan, 2024 11:40
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#7
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 10 Jan, 2024 19:41
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1745183188543246433Red Electron? You know what that means: it’s time for another recovery mission!
Our first launch of 2024 will further our efforts to make Electron the world’s first reusable small rocket. Here’s the detail on how we recover and reuse Electron.
For every recovery launch we first integrate TPS, or a thermal-protection system, to Electron’s first stage. This material helps protect Electron’s carbon composite structure as it experiences extreme forces on its way back to Earth from space.
https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1745183196856373431After lift-off, once Electron reaches space, the rocket’s first and second stages separate – and so begins the booster’s journey back to Earth. The rocket’s RCS, or reaction control system, activates after separation to position Electron’s first stage at the correct angle to make it back through Earth’s atmosphere.
Then it’s parachute time! First the rocket’s drogue chute deploys for the initial slowdown followed by its second and much larger chute, to really put on the brakes before ocean splashdown. From several times the speed of sound to just ~10 meters per second by the time Electron reaches the water.
Splashdown means it’s time for our recovery team to move in. After pulling up alongside Electron on the recovery vessel, the team brings the first stage up and out of the ocean onto the ship’s deck, where it’s secured for the ride home.
Now Electron’s heading back to where it all started: our rocket production complex, where our reusability team takes over to assess its condition, identify components for reuse, and fine tune systems for the next attempt as we move closer to reusing a full first stage.
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#8
by
GewoonLukas_
on 11 Jan, 2024 22:12
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Exolaunch Will Deploy Four Spire-Built Satellites for NorthStar via Rocket Lab’s Electron
11 January 2024
Exolaunch, the premier global provider of launch mission management, integration, and deployment services, announced today plans to deploy four Canadian NorthStar Earth & Space satellites, built by Spire Global, and launched via Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle. Exolaunch will provide separation systems, deployment, and integration services to ensure mission success for the first tech demo satellites for NorthStar’s commercial, space-based Space Situational Awareness (SSA) services.
This initial cluster of four satellites will create a space-based SSA constellation, with NorthStar being the first to simultaneously monitor all near-Earth orbits from space, delivering advanced services with precise information for resident space object detection, tracking, orbit determination, collision avoidance, navigation, and proximity alerts.
The integration of four 16U satellites into the EXOpod Nova deployers was completed successfully in December at Spire’s Glasgow facility, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts between Exolaunch and Spire. This achievement underscores Exolaunch’s commitment to excellence, proven capabilities to deliver reliable separation system hardware, and industry-leading launch mission management and integration services.
[...]
The next phase of integration was completed over the first week of January in Māhia, New Zealand, where Exolaunch oversaw the satellite integration with Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle. This process is a key step forward in preparing for launch from the same site, slated for no earlier than the 18th of January 2024.
[...]
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#9
by
Ken the Bin
on 13 Jan, 2024 12:18
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NGA Rocket Launching and Space Debris notices.
130554Z JAN 24
HYDROPAC 145/24(76).
WESTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
NEW ZEALAND.
DNC 06.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
0615Z TO 0700Z DAILY 18 THRU 28 JAN
IN AREA BOUND BY
39-13.14S 177-35.60E, 39-10.84S 178-05.83E,
39-45.88S 178-10.27E, 39-47.49S 177-35.14E.
2. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
0615Z TO 0700Z DAILY 18 THRU 28 JAN
IN AREA BOUND BY
42-48.00S 176-12.00E, 43-12.00S 178-06.00E,
46-48.00S 176-48.00E, 46-18.00S 174-36.00E.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 280800Z JAN 24.
130627Z JAN 24
HYDROPAC 146/24(76).
WESTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
DNC 06.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
0615Z TO 0700Z DAILY 18 THRU 28 JAN
IN AREA BOUND BY
52-00.00S 172-36.00E, 52-21.00S 174-42.00E
56-24.00S 173-12.00E, 56-06.00S 170-42.00E.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 280800Z JAN 24.
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#10
by
GewoonLukas_
on 14 Jan, 2024 18:23
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We’re stacked and ready to go 💪
The @SpireGlobal & @NorthStarEandS payload is sitting safe & secure inside the fairing after integration & encapsulation at Launch Complex 1.
Electron will carry four satellites to a 530km orbit for our first mission of 2024, launching this week on Jan 18 UTC.
'Four Of A Kind' launch window opens:
Jan 18, UTC | 06:15
Jan 18, NZDT | 19:15
Jan 18, ET | 01:15
Jan 17, PT | 22:15
More info: https://rocketlabusa.com/missions/next-mission/
https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1746613795022369063
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#11
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 15 Jan, 2024 18:31
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1746978019691090029The countdown is on! Final Electron assembly is complete at LC-1 ahead of launch rehearsal today for our 43rd Electron mission ‘Four Of A Kind’, set to deliver satellites to space for @SpireGlobal & @northstareands NET Jan 18.
We’re also going rocket fishing on this recovery mission to return Electron’s booster to Earth from space after it splashes down in the ocean.
Four Of A Kind launch window opens:
Jan 18, UTC | 06:15
Jan 18, NZDT | 19:15
Jan 18, ET | 01:15
Jan 17, PT | 22:15
Launch info: rocketlabusa.com/missions/next-…
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#12
by
GewoonLukas_
on 16 Jan, 2024 22:03
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#13
by
catdlr
on 17 Jan, 2024 05:08
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https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1747497051519406549To allow time for final pre-launch checkouts, and account for an incoming weather system, we are now targeting no earlier than 27 January NZT for the launch of ‘Four Of A Kind’ for
@spireglobal
and
@northstarEandS
.
Launch Window Opens:
UTC | 06:15 (27 Jan)
NZDT | 19:15 (27 Jan)
EST | 01:15 (27 Jan)
PST | 22:15 (26 Jan)
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#14
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 17 Jan, 2024 20:04
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1747726319910355424For our 43rd Electron launch, we’ll be bringing back Electron as part of our latest recovery mission. To help protect against re-entry forces as Electron returns from space, this rocket includes a silver heat protection called TPS, and an extended carbon-composite shield to protect the Rutherford engines.
Mission info: rocketlabusa.com/missions/next-…
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#15
by
catdlr
on 19 Jan, 2024 03:42
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https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1748197868568215558We're thrilled to be supporting
@SpireGlobal
and
@NorthStarEandS
with the launch of four Space Situational Awareness (SSA) sats - the first to simultaneously monitor near-Earth objects from space to deliver timely and precise
info for space object detection, tracking, orbit
determination, collision avoidance, navigation, and
proximity alerts 🛰️🌎
'Four Of A Kind' launch window opens NET January 27th. Launch info: https://rocketlabusa.com/missions/next-mission/
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#16
by
Ken the Bin
on 19 Jan, 2024 04:17
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#17
by
Ken the Bin
on 25 Jan, 2024 03:55
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Cancel-and-replace NGA Rocket Launching and Space Debris notices.
Note that while the Rocket Lab
Next Mission webpage still says NET January 27, the new notices start on January 28.
250415Z JAN 24
HYDROPAC 291/24(76).
WESTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
NEW ZEALAND.
DNC 06.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
0615Z TO 0700Z DAILY 28 JAN THRU 09 FEB
IN AREA BOUND BY
39-47.49S 177-35.14E, 39-13.14S 177-35.60E,
39-10.84S 178-05.73E, 39-45.88S 178-10.27E.
2. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
0615Z TO 0700Z DAILY 28 JAN THRU 09 FEB
IN AREA BOUND BY
46-18.00S 174-36.00E, 42-48.00S 176-12.00E,
43-12.00S 178-06.00E, 46-48.00S 176-48.00E.
3. CANCEL HYDROPAC 145/24.
4. CANCEL THIS MSG 090800Z FEB 24.//
250251Z JAN 24
HYDROPAC 290/24(76).
WESTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
DNC 06.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
0615Z TO 0700Z DAILY 28 JAN THRU 09 FEB
IN AREA BOUND BY
56-06.00S 170-42.00E, 52-00.00S 172-36.00E,
52-21.00S 174-42.00E, 56-24.00S 173-12.00E.
2. CANCEL HYDROPAC 146/24.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 090800Z FEB 24.
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#18
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 25 Jan, 2024 22:10
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1750657277798060222With an "upper tropospheric cyclonic vortex" causing unsettled weather, our launch attempt for ‘Four Of A Kind’ for @spireglobal & @northstarEandS is now targeted for Sunday 28th NZT. The weather is likely to be touch and go, so stayed tuned for updates on launch day.
Launch window opens:
Jan 28, UTC | 06:15
Jan 28, NZDT | 19:15
Jan 28, ET | 01:15
Jan 27, PT | 22:15
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#19
by
catdlr
on 27 Jan, 2024 06:25
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#20
by
catdlr
on 27 Jan, 2024 06:25
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#21
by
GewoonLukas_
on 27 Jan, 2024 14:21
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#22
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 27 Jan, 2024 19:46
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#23
by
catdlr
on 27 Jan, 2024 19:55
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https://twitter.com/spaceoffshore/status/1751345755946729561
Recovery ship Seaworker appears to have arrived at the Electron splashdown site, ahead of the Rocket Lab Four Of A Kind mission. Approx. 580km downrange.
I hope their retrieval ship holding position is closer to the target than previous attempts. The travel time from splash down to arrival has taken them a long time (almost 90 minutes - one orbit). It seems they could predict better or are they intentionally staying away until they get a better handle on the target area?
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#24
by
catdlr
on 28 Jan, 2024 02:13
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https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1751422799040966902We’re standing down from a launch attempt today with lightning risk, thunderstorms, rain, thick cloud and strong upper-level winds expected over LC-1, with a 75% probability of violating (POV) weather constraints for launch.
Next opportunity for launch is forecast for NET Wednesday 31st Jan NZDT.
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#25
by
catdlr
on 28 Jan, 2024 05:21
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https://twitter.com/TylerG1998/status/1751425092393807984Inclement weather in Māhia means a delay of a few days to NET Wednesday, January 31 at 1:15 AM EDT (06:15 UTC) for the first #RocketLab #Electron mission of 2024.
The #FourOfAKind flight will feature a first stage recovery attempt, so we’ll see a shiny booster with red markings.
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#26
by
Galactic Penguin SST
on 30 Jan, 2024 02:46
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#27
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 30 Jan, 2024 19:27
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#28
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 30 Jan, 2024 21:28
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1752455012914282951Launch prep is underway for our Four Of A Kind mission from LC-1 for @SpireGlobal and @NorthStarEandS!
Electron will deploy four SSA satellites to a 530km orbit - and we’ll also be bringing the rocket’s first stage back to Earth under a parachute for our latest recovery attempt!
Launch window opens today:
06:15 UTC
19:15 NZDT
01:15 ET
22:15 PT
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#29
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 30 Jan, 2024 22:06
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1752467960554573907A satellite constellation, a poker game, and King Julien meet on a mission patch… Learn about the inspiration behind our ‘Four Of A Kind’ mission patch for @SpireGlobal and @northstarEandS.
Launch window opens:
Jan 31, UTC | 06:15
Jan 31, NZDT | 19:15
Jan 31, ET | 01:15
Jan 30, PT | 22:15
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#30
by
Galactic Penguin SST
on 31 Jan, 2024 02:29
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#31
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 04:36
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A satellite constellation, a poker game, and King Julien meet on a mission patch… Learn about the inspiration behind our ‘Four Of A Kind’ mission patch for @SpireGlobal and @northstarEandS.
The image says the payload name is LEMUR (Low Earth Multi Use Receiver). Perhaps someone can update the thread title.
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#32
by
catdlr
on 31 Jan, 2024 04:51
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t-30 min Rocket Lab Livestream is up but waiting for commentary to start.
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#33
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 04:58
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#34
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 04:59
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#35
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 04:59
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X-Ray view of payloads in fairing.
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#36
by
catdlr
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:01
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#37
by
catdlr
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:01
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#38
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:02
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#39
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:04
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Clock reset to T-31 minutes and counting.
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#40
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:07
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T-29 minutes. Delay is to allow sensor data to come up to temperature. Launch at 06:34 UTC.
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#41
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:11
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T-25 minutes. Showing recovery video.
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#42
by
catdlr
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:14
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#43
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:16
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#44
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:21
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#45
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:22
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Weather is green for LC-1 and at the recovery location.
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#46
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:23
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#47
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:24
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T-12 minutes. Performing poll.
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#48
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:24
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#49
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:26
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#50
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:27
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#51
by
catdlr
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:27
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#52
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:29
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#53
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:30
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T-6 minutes. Strongback is retracting.
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#54
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:30
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#55
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:32
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Seagulls waiting for the landing!
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#56
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:34
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T-2 minutes. Vehicle on internal power.
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#57
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:35
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#58
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:35
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#59
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:37
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#60
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:38
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#61
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:39
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First stage separation.
Ignition.
T+3 minutes.
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#62
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:40
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Fairing separation.
T+4 minutes.
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#63
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:40
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#64
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:41
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#65
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:42
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#66
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:44
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T+8 minutes. Drogue deployed.
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#67
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:44
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T+9 minutes. Mains deployed.
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#68
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:45
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#69
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:46
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Recovery ship on the way. Upcoming events.
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#70
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:51
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#71
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:54
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T+18 minutes. Splashdown.
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#72
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 05:55
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Recovery in about 12 minutes. Solid telemetry stream from the stage.
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#73
by
catdlr
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:06
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#74
by
catdlr
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:07
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#75
by
catdlr
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:07
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#76
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:07
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#77
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:08
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At recovery zone. Stage is intact.
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#78
by
catdlr
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:10
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appears recovery ship ha arrived
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#79
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:10
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#80
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:11
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#81
by
catdlr
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:12
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#82
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:21
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#83
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:21
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#84
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:22
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#85
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:24
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T+48 minutes and 23 seconds. Expected ignition for 2 minutes and 4 seconds.
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#86
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:26
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T+50 minutes and 20 seconds. Cutoff!
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#87
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:28
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#88
by
catdlr
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:29
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Thanks, Steven for the coverage.
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#89
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:29
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Orbit is 531.2x529.8 km and 97.490 degrees.
End of webcast.
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#90
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:31
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#91
by
catdlr
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:31
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#92
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:34
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Animation of payload deploys. I missed capturing these, as the press kit had this happening at T+1 hour 17 minutes, instead of T+52 minutes actual!
Congratulations to Rocketlab, Spire and NorthStar for the successful launch!
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#93
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 31 Jan, 2024 06:42
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#94
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 31 Jan, 2024 07:15
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Here's the moment of splashdown.
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#95
by
Galactic Penguin SST
on 31 Jan, 2024 07:19
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https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1752605423017058351‘Four Of A Kind’ was our 43rd Electron launch but for our Launch Director Joseph Carpico, it was also a special milestone: the 100th mission of his career!
Joe is a stalwart of the launch industry having worked around the world throughout his career to launch rockets including the Titan, Ariane, Proton, Antares, and Sea Launch’s Zenit launch vehicles. His deep experience, calm nature, and quick thinking make him a natural leader and the perfect person to head up Mission Control – and it was only right to have him in the Launch Director’s seat once again for his 100th mission.
We’re proud of you, Joe. Congratulations on the incredible achievement – here’s to the next 100 missions together.
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#96
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 31 Jan, 2024 08:00
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#97
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 31 Jan, 2024 08:19
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#98
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 31 Jan, 2024 11:13
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More Rocket Lab photos (from flickr)
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#99
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 31 Jan, 2024 11:32
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https://twitter.com/northstareands/status/1752619019918553201We are pleased to announce that early on 31 January 2024 at 1:34 AM EST we successfully launched the first four of our SSA satellites from the Rocket Lab Launch Complex in Mahia, New Zealand.
Thanks to our partners @RocketLab, @SpireGlobal, and @Exolaunch.
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#100
by
jcm
on 31 Jan, 2024 13:42
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Based on the deployment artwork these are 16U satellites? Gunter's page calls them Skylark, but I don't think a satellite name was mentioned during the broadcast? (other than Lemur, which is Spire's name for all its satellites)
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#101
by
gwiz
on 31 Jan, 2024 16:18
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#102
by
Skyrocket
on 31 Jan, 2024 17:14
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Based on the deployment artwork these are 16U satellites? Gunter's page calls them Skylark, but I don't think a satellite name was mentioned during the broadcast? (other than Lemur, which is Spire's name for all its satellites)
Concerning the "Skylark" name: NorthStar used this name in 2020 for the satellites. But at that time the satellites were to be larger satellites to be built by Thales Alenia based on LeoStella’s LEO-100 Multi-Mission Bus. I kept the name when the satellites were changed to Spire's 16U CubeSats.
Frankly, I am not sure if the Skylark names still are in use for the satellites - I have not heard this name for some time. However, NorthStar still calls their constellation Skylark on their website.
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#103
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 31 Jan, 2024 18:53
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#104
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 01 Feb, 2024 02:28
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#105
by
catdlr
on 02 Feb, 2024 02:11
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#106
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 02 Feb, 2024 06:10
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#107
by
koroljow
on 02 Feb, 2024 06:38
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What kind of damage is this? Looks like it's burned through. Is that to be expected?
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#108
by
tyrred
on 02 Feb, 2024 06:49
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What kind of damage is this? Looks like it's burned through. Is that to be expected?
Looks are deceiving in this lighting.
Its carbon fiber, not metal. I would expect a burn through to look different, with tattered and frayed edges.
Maybe a delamination of some sort of the outermost layer?
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#109
by
GewoonLukas_
on 02 Feb, 2024 08:40
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What kind of damage is this? Looks like it's burned through. Is that to be expected?
Looks are deceiving in this lighting.
Its carbon fiber, not metal. I would expect a burn through to look different, with tattered and frayed edges.
Maybe a delamination of some sort of the outermost layer?
I think that's the silver TPS that's burned through, revealing the dark black carbon fiber underneath it
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#110
by
catdlr
on 03 Feb, 2024 07:04
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#111
by
catdlr
on 03 Feb, 2024 07:33
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#112
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 06 Feb, 2024 19:10
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1754960648772207051Spot the difference: On our recent recovery mission, we added a sample Neutron thermal protection system (TPS) panel to Electron to see how well Neutron’s structural materials hold up on the return journey from space. Durability and reusability are critical aspects of Neutron’s design, and being able to test our new rocket on our current rocket is a key advantage to Neutron’s development. As expected, it performed flawlessly.
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#113
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 07 Feb, 2024 03:17
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NorthStar are calling this launch "NorthStar 1".
https://northstar-data.com/successful-launch-of-northstar-1-space-based-ssa/Mahia, New Zealand, February 1st, 2024 – NorthStar Earth & Space Inc. (“NorthStar”), a first-in-class leader in the delivery of commercial space-based SSA (Space Situational Awareness) services to enhance space sustainability and security, today announces the successful launch of NorthStar-1, the first four of its SSA satellites from the Rocket Lab Launch Complex in Mahia, New Zealand on January 31st, 2024, at 19:34 NZDT / 06:34 UTC with an imposed shortened launch window to avoid other space objects during the early launch phase.
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#114
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 07 Feb, 2024 08:22
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More photos from Rocket Lab flickr
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#115
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 08 Feb, 2024 18:52
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360 version:
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#116
by
gongora
on 15 Feb, 2024 17:31
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They have LEMUR names in the space-track satellite catalog.
58903 LEMUR 2 CAEL 2024-022E PAYLOAD US 2024-01-31 RLLC 95.20 97.49 537 519
58900 LEMUR 2 VALHALLA 2024-022B PAYLOAD US 2024-01-31 RLLC 95.23 97.49 540 519
58902 LEMUR 2 OBA-NI-JESU 2024-022D PAYLOAD US 2024-01-31 RLLC 95.21 97.49 537 520
58899 LEMUR 2 NIMBUS2000 2024-022A PAYLOAD US 2024-01-31 RLLC 95.24 97.49 541 520
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#117
by
AndrewM
on 14 Apr, 2024 17:30
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The Electron 1st stage that flew this mission has returned to the factory to prepare for a reflight in 2025.
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”) today announced it is returning a previously flown Electron rocket first stage tank into the Electron production line for the first time in preparation for reflying the stage. The step is a significant milestone in Rocket Lab’s development program to make Electron the world’s first reusable small orbital launch vehicle.
The stage was successfully launched and recovered as part of the ‘Four of a Kind’ mission on 31 January 2024 and has already passed more acceptance tests than any other recovered Electron stage, including:
Tank pressurization test – a process that filled the carbon composite tank with inert gas and held it in excess of maximum operating pressure for more than 20x longer than the standard Electron flight duration;
Helium leak check – a stringent process that determines there are no leaks in the tank; and
Carbon fiber structural testing – including ultrasonic assessment and other non-destructive tests to confirm no delamination of the carbon composite tank fibers.
The stage will now undergo final fit out and rigorous qualification and acceptance testing to the same standard as a brand-new Electron tank to determine the recovered stage’s suitability for reflight.“Through an iterative development process, we have methodically perfected each step of Electron recovery while simultaneously continuing to increase our Electron production capacity and launch cadence. This is the exciting final piece of the puzzle before Electron goes reusable,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck. “Our key priority in pushing this stage back into the standard production flow for the first time is to ensure our systems and qualification processes are fit for accepting pre-flown boosters at scale. If this stage successfully passes and is accepted for flight, we’ll consider opportunities for reflying it in the new year.”Rocket Lab has carried out iterative modifications across multiple recovery missions to hone the recovery process ahead of first reflight, including:
Ensuring Electron’s carbon composite structure survives the intense heat and forces of atmospheric reentry through innovative coatings, heat shields, and advanced reaction control systems to control the angle of reentry;
Refining the parachute system to ensure reliable deployment and smooth deceleration from more than 2,300 meters per second to 10 meters per second;
Honing the telemetry and tracking systems so the marine recovery team can locate the stage as soon as it splashes down;
Streamlining the process of collecting the stage from the water in less than an hour, then ensuring safe transit back to the Rocket Lab production complex; and
Successful launch of a previously flown Rutherford engine.
The payload scheduled to launch on the recovered stage will be announced following the completion of final acceptance and qualification testing.
https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-returns-previously-flown-electron-to-production-line-in-preparation-for-first-reflight/