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Electron - StriX-3 - Owl Night Long - 12/13 March 2024 (15:03 UTC) by Galactic Penguin SST on 20 Feb, 2024 20:41
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https://investors.rocketlabusa.com/news/news-details/2024/Rocket-Lab-Schedules-Launch-Date-for-45th-Electron-Mission-to-Deploy-Earth-Imaging-Satellite-for-Synspective/default.aspx
Rocket Lab Schedules Launch Date for 45th Electron Mission to Deploy Earth-Imaging Satellite for Synspective
The mission will be Rocket Lab’s fourth mission for Japanese constellation operator Synspective
LONG 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 the launch window for its 45th Electron launch, a dedicated mission for Synspective, a Japanese Earth-imaging satellite constellation operator.
The “Owl Night Long” mission is scheduled to launch during a 14-day window that opens on March 10th NZDT (March 9th UTC). The mission will lift off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand and will deploy a StriX-3 satellite to orbit, continuing a multi-launch agreement to deliver Synspective’s StriX-series satellites to low Earth orbit.
Rocket Lab has been the exclusive launch provider for Synspective to date and the “Owl Night Long” mission will be Rocket Lab’s fourth launch for the constellation operator following launches in 2020 and 2022:
The Owls’ Night Begins: Launched December 2020
The Owl’s Night Continues: Launched February 2022
The Owl Spreads its Wings: Launched September 2022
Synspective is a satellite data solutions provider with its own constellation of SAR satellites. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is an active system that transmits microwave pulses toward the Earth's surface and receives the reflected signals to create an image of the target area. Unlike other imaging technologies, SAR can penetrate clouds and other atmospheric conditions, enabling it to collect data day or night with frequent revisit rates.
SAR data contain information that helps to understand the shape and physical properties of terrain and structures. Observing the same target under constant conditions makes it well-suited for time-series analysis and change detection, enabling the capture of ongoing economic and environmental changes.
By flying as a dedicated payload on Electron, Synspective has a high degree of control over the launch schedule and orbital deployment parameters. Electron is also an ideal launch vehicle for the StriX constellation due to a unique Synspective deployment requirement. Electron’s Kick Stage performs an advanced mid-mission maneuver to shield the StriX satellite from the sun to reduce radiation exposure ahead of payload deployment, a level of mission customization not available on large rideshare missions.
Rocket Lab founder and Chief Executive, Peter Beck, says: “We’re excited to continue our strong partnership with Synspective having been their sole launch provider to date. Electron delivers a tailored, customized launch service that offers Synspective a rare level of precision deployment to ensure their satellites are placed in perfect orbits on rapid timelines. We look forward to helping another owl take flight and expanding Synspective’s constellation.”
Synspective founder and CEO, Dr. Motoyuki Arai, says: “I am delighted to be able to take on another challenge with the Rocket Lab team, who have led us to launch three satellites into their target orbits successfully. I also want to express my gratitude to the dedicated teams of both companies and everyone involved in the StriX-3 project. StriX-3 is our fourth satellite, enabling us to offer more data services to our new and existing customers. This year, we plan to expand our business through multiple launches, and StriX-3 will be the first satellite aimed at full-scale constellation operations. Through this launch, we will advance our understanding of the manufacturing process, enhance our satellite operation know-how, increase the volume of data supply, and strengthen our data analysis capabilities. To address all sustainable development challenges within our generation, we will push forward our analytics platform business, enabling societal progress through data-driven insights and collective learning.”
“Owl Night Long” will be Rocket Lab’s 3rd Electron launch in 2024 and more Synspective launches are planned as part of the multi-launch agreement. -
#1 by mkent on 21 Feb, 2024 03:39
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So far we’ve had Strix alpha, Strix beta, Strix-1, and now Strix-3. What happened to Strix-2?
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#2 by Ken the Bin on 23 Feb, 2024 04:34
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The Next Mission webpage has been updated: https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/next-mission/Quote from: Rocket Lab
Mission Name: Owl Night Long
Rocket: Electron
Launch Date: 10 March 2024
Launch Site: Launch Complex 1
Launch Time: 03:00 am NZDT / 14:00 UTC (9 March)
Payload: StriX-1
Mission Overview
The “Owl Night Long” mission will lift off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand and will deploy a StriX-3 satellite to orbit, continuing a multi-launch agreement to deliver Synspective’s StriX-series satellites to low Earth orbit.
Rocket Lab has been the exclusive launch provider for Synspective to date and the “Owl Night Long” mission will be Rocket Lab’s fourth launch for the constellation operator following launches in 2020 and 2022:
The Owls’ Night Begins: Launched December 2020
The Owl’s Night Continues: Launched February 2022
The Owl Spreads its Wings: Launched September 2022
Synspective is a satellite data solutions provider with its own constellation of SAR satellites. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is an active system that transmits microwave pulses toward the Earth's surface and receives the reflected signals to create an image of the target area. Unlike other imaging technologies, SAR can penetrate clouds and other atmospheric conditions, enabling it to collect data day or night with frequent revisit rates.
Note that in the summary information it says Strix-1 (which is wrong). Later it says Strix-3 (which is correct). -
#3 by Ken the Bin on 23 Feb, 2024 15:47
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Note that in the summary information it says Strix-1 (which is wrong). Later it says Strix-3 (which is correct).
The webpage has been corrected.Quote from: Rocket LabMission Name: Owl Night Long
Rocket: Electron
Launch Date: 10 March 2024
Launch Site: Launch Complex 1
Launch Time: 03:00 am NZDT / 14:00 UTC (9 March)
Payload: StriX-3
Also, attached is the mission patch that I forgot to attach to my previous post.
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#4 by Ken the Bin on 28 Feb, 2024 04:03
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#5 by FutureSpaceTourist on 03 Mar, 2024 19:31
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1764387705872662706Quote
Less than a week until the @synspective owl takes to the skies again.
rocketlabusa.com/missions/next-…
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#6 by catdlr on 03 Mar, 2024 19:31
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https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1764387705872662706Quote
Less than a week until the @synspective owl takes to the skies again.
http://rocketlabusa.com/missions/next-mission/
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#7 by cpushack on 03 Mar, 2024 20:30
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Another custom bulgy fairing.
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#8 by FutureSpaceTourist on 06 Mar, 2024 22:52
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Crosspost:
https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1765525409217806783
Quote2 rockets, 2 pads, 2 hemispheres
Final launch rehearsals are underway at LC-1 and LC-2 for two dedicated Electron missions in March - 'Owl Night Long' for @synspective and 'Live & Let Fly' for @NatReconOfc
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#9 by Ken the Bin on 07 Mar, 2024 13:24
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NGA Rocket Launching and Space Debris notices. It looks like the launch is pushed back a day, however Rocket Lab's Next Mission webpage is unchanged. There also is a pretty big gap between the start of the hazard period at 12:00 UTC and the start of Rocket Lab's announced launch window at 14:00 UTC.Quote from: NGA
070712Z MAR 24
HYDROPAC 764/24(76).
WESTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
NEW ZEALAND.
DNC 06.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
1200Z TO 1545Z DAILY 10 THRU 22 MAR
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 39-26.82S 178-04.92E, 39-16.02S 178-04.86E,
39-11.28S 177-46.98E, 39-24.36S 177-40.86E,
39-58.08S 177-37.50E, 40-00.18S 177-48.06E.
B. 43-24.00S 175-48.00E, 43-36.00S 177-18.00E,
47-00.00S 176-48.00E, 46-45.00S 174-42.00E.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 221645Z MAR 24.//Quote from: NGA070701Z MAR 24
HYDROPAC 763/24(76).
WESTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
DNC 06.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
1200Z TO 1545Z DAILY 10 THRU 22 MAR
IN AREA BOUND BY
52-42.00S 174-42.00E, 52-06.00S 172-06.00E,
57-00.00S 169-54.00E, 57-36.00S 172-36.00E.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 221645Z MAR 24.// -
#10 by GewoonLukas_ on 08 Mar, 2024 05:50
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3-day delay:Quote
The wise owl knows to wait for optimal conditions before taking flight.
Our “Owl Night Long” mission for @Synspective has a new target launch date, allowing our teams to close out final launch preparations:
🦉NZDT | 03:00, March 13
🦉 PDT | 07:00, March 12
🦉 EDT | 10:00, March 12
🦉 UTC | 14:00, March 12
https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1765932756293558605 -
#11 by FutureSpaceTourist on 11 Mar, 2024 06:01
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1767031426975977900Quote
Another @synspective bird ready for launch on Electron 🦉
Mission info for our 45th launch: rocketlabusa.com/missions/next-…
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#12 by OneSpeed on 11 Mar, 2024 06:47
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NGA Rocket Launching and Space Debris notices. ...
Map from the notices.
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#13 by Galactic Penguin SST on 11 Mar, 2024 15:38
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Launch stream:
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#14 by FutureSpaceTourist on 11 Mar, 2024 19:57
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1767293385080250749Quote
It’s ‘owl’ most time!
The weather is playing nice (for now) and we’re on track to launch the ‘Owl Night Long’ mission for @Synspective.
Target launch time:
🚀 03:13 am NZDT (March 13)
🚀 02:13 pm UTC (March 12)
🚀 10:13 am EDT (March 12)
🚀 07:13 am PDT (March 12)
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#15 by FutureSpaceTourist on 12 Mar, 2024 11:36
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1767529828046315740Quote
Electron is looking frosty so you know what that means. LOx load is underway!
Lift off:
🚀 03:13 am NZDT
🚀 02:13 pm UTC
🚀 07:13 am PDT
🚀 10:13 am EDT
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#16 by FutureSpaceTourist on 12 Mar, 2024 12:23
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1767541489339687042Quote
Under an hour until lift-off for @synspective. We’ll be live with today’s launch webcast at around T-20 mins from launch youtube.com/live/GF9cWWkSl…
Target lift-off:
NZDT | 03:13
UTC | 14:13
PDT | 07:13
EDT | 10:13
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#17 by FutureSpaceTourist on 12 Mar, 2024 12:54
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1767549409594835102Quote
Launch update: we're adjusting today's T-0 slightly to account for weather.
New T-0:
NZDT | 04:03
UTC | 15:03
EDT | 11:03
PDT | 08:03 -
#18 by Zed_Noir on 12 Mar, 2024 13:48
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The Rocket Lab webcast is live. Announcer said Rocket Lab will try for the final launch opportunity today at 15:03 UTC.
(youtube ID: GF9cWWkSlsQ )
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#19 by trimeta on 12 Mar, 2024 13:53
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Go-no go poll complete, mission is a go.
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#20 by FutureSpaceTourist on 12 Mar, 2024 14:05
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https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1767567398809239894Quote
LAUNCH! Rocket Lab's Electron launches the "Owl Night Long" mission.
youtube.com/watch?v=GF9cWW… -
#21 by FutureSpaceTourist on 12 Mar, 2024 14:08
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#22 by FutureSpaceTourist on 12 Mar, 2024 14:09
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1767568114026430798Quote
The fairing has successfully separated. Stage 2 continues toward orbit as planned.
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#23 by FutureSpaceTourist on 12 Mar, 2024 14:11
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1767568907626537063Quote
Successful battery hot-swap on the second stage confirmed.
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#24 by FutureSpaceTourist on 12 Mar, 2024 14:14
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twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1767569661628121161Quote
Second stage engine cut-off complete. The Kick Stage has separated as planned and now enters a coast phase ahead of payload deployment around 50 mins from now.
https://twitter.com/peter_j_beck/status/1767569876837871814QuotePerfect transfer orbit
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#25 by FutureSpaceTourist on 12 Mar, 2024 14:16
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Beautiful photo:
https://twitter.com/joseph_baxter_/status/1767569620494647399QuoteLiftoff for 'Owl Night Long' from Mahia New Zealand @RocketLab
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#26 by FutureSpaceTourist on 12 Mar, 2024 14:42
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#27 by FutureSpaceTourist on 12 Mar, 2024 15:54
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1767581210644259260Quote
StriX-3 for @synspective has been deployed to orbit! That’s mission success for Electron’s 45th launch to space.
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#28 by FutureSpaceTourist on 12 Mar, 2024 15:56
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1767589281688940639Quote
Welcome to orbit once again, @synspective.
Four missions in together, we are delighted to continue delivering mission success for the Synspective team.
Missed the launch? Catch the webcast: youtube.com/live/GF9cWWkSl…
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#29 by FutureSpaceTourist on 12 Mar, 2024 16:38
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More photos from Rocket Lab
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#30 by trimeta on 12 Mar, 2024 16:53
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Article about the launch from SpaceNews:
Rocket Lab launches Synspective radar imaging satellite
One thing that occurred to me in this article: it says that as of March 2022, it was Synspective's plan to have 30 satellites in orbit by 2026. With today's launch, they're at four, all launched on individual Electron missions. Rocket Lab signed another two Electron launches back in July, but even if those fly this year, that's six satellites by the end of 2024. How are they going to launch the other 24 in two years? Hope for significant cadence increases from Electron? Rideshare and/or dedicated constellation launch (but then why haven't those been used previously)? -
#31 by Galactic Penguin SST on 12 Mar, 2024 17:05
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https://twitter.com/synspective/status/1767607362700116114Quote
Deployment Confirmed! Smooth sailing with @RocketLab
Press Release: https://synspective.com/press-release/2024/strix-3_launch_02/
#strix #electron #rocketlab #synspective -
#32 by Salo on 12 Mar, 2024 18:34
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LC-1A or LC-1B?
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#33 by trimeta on 12 Mar, 2024 18:52
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LC-1A or LC-1B?
The press kit said LC-1B.