Rocket Lab
- Rocket Lab "Kinéis Killed The RadIoT Star" Launch Thread!
Kinéis Killed The RadIoT Star
| Scheduled for (UTC) | 2024-09-20 23:01 | | --- | --- | | Scheduled for (NZST) | 2024-09-21 11:01 | | Launch site | Rocket Lab LC-1A, Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand | | Booster recovery | No | | Launch vehicle | Electron + Curie | | Customer | Kinéis | | Payload | Kinéis 6-10 | | Mission success criteria | Successful deployment of spacecraft into desired orbit |
Livestreams
| Stream | Link | | --- | --- | | Rocket Lab (official) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beVTGh_PrA0 (scrub) | | Space Affairs | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDMBcSt4PUo (scrub) | | The Launch Pad | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87oFE1ZmRck (scrub) |
Stats
- This will be the 11th launch for Rocket Lab this year.
- This will be the 53rd overall launch for Rocket Lab.
Payload info:
> Second batch of five satellites for the French Kinéis IoT constellation designed to operate with 25 nanosatellites of 30 kg each. The constellation will enable Kinéis, a company backed by private and public investors including the French government’s space agency CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales) and CLS (Collecte Localisation Satellites) an international space-based solutions provider, to improve its global IoT connectivity.
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Previous mission: A Sky Full Of SARs
Next mission: Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes
Please post small launch updates, discussions, and questions here! Also feel free to leave feedback or suggestions for the mod team. We’re a relatively new community, so feedback is very valuable!
- Rocket Lab signs first Neutron launch customerspacenews.com Rocket Lab signs first Neutron launch customer
Rocket Lab says it has signed the first customer for its Neutron launch vehicle as the company pushes towards a mid-2025 first launch of the vehicle.
- RocketLab post an opening for a Recovery Engineering Internwww.rocketlabusa.com Recovery Engineering Intern - Summer 2025 | Rocket Lab
<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>ABOUT ROCKET LAB</strong></p><br /> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific...
RocketLab have posted an opening for a Recovery Engineering Intern:
> As a Recovery Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, California, you will have the opportunity to support the Neutron Recovery Team in designing Recovery and Marine Transportation hardware for Neutron.
Another confirmation that they are planning drone ship landings for Neutron in addition to RTLS landings.
- Rocket Lab wins $8 million U.S. Air Force contract for engine developmentspacenews.com Rocket Lab wins $8 million U.S. Air Force contract for engine development
The contract is to advance digital engineering processes for the company’s next-generation Archimedes rocket engine
- Rocket Lab launches undisclosed commercial payloadspacenews.com Rocket Lab launches undisclosed commercial payload
A Rocket Lab Electron launched a commercial payload Nov. 5 on a flight wrapped in as much secrecy as a classified government mission.
- Rocket Lab "Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes" Launch Thread!
Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes
| Scheduled for (UTC) | 2024-11-05 10:54 | | --- | --- | | Scheduled for (NZDT) | 2024-11-05 23:54 | | Launch site | Rocket Lab LC-1B, Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand | | Booster recovery | No | | Launch vehicle | Electron + Curie | | Customer | Undisclosed | | Payload | Unknown | | Mission success criteria | Successful deployment of spacecraft into Sun-Synchronous Orbit |
Livestreams
| Stream | Link | | --- | --- | | Rocket Lab (official) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pku19e-MHis | | Space Affairs | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM7lgn4ISvQ | | The Launch Pad | |
Stats
- This will be the 12th launch for Rocket Lab this year.
- This will be the 54th overall launch for Rocket Lab.
Payload info:
> Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes > > Launch of a yet to identified satellite to SSO for an undisclosed customer. The customer is suspected to be Low Earth Orbit communication satellite constellation operator E-Space. Launch contract was signed less than 2 months before launch.
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Previous mission: Kinéis Killed The RadIoT Star
Next mission: TBD
Please post small launch updates, discussions, and questions here! Also feel free to leave feedback or suggestions for the mod team. We’re a relatively new community, so feedback is very valuable!
- Rocket Lab confirms plan to bid for Pentagon launch contracts with new medium rocketspacenews.com Rocket Lab confirms plan to bid for Pentagon launch contracts with new medium rocket
The company will submit a proposal to on-ramp its Neutron vehicle in the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program
> “We’re excited to bid this time round for NSSL Lane 1, and we think Neutron is a really good vehicle for it,” Rocket Lab’s founder and CEO Peter Beck told SpaceNews. > > The U.S. Space Force last week released a request for proposals from launch companies seeking to challenge SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin in the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program. > > The NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 program is structured as an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, enabling the Space Force to on-ramp providers on a yearly basis, and award individual task orders as needed. > > The Space Force requires the next round of Lane 1 bidders to be ready for a first launch by December 2025, a timeline Beck says Neutron can meet.
- Rocket Lab proposes $2B solution for faster Mars Sample Return as NASA reviews optionsspaceexplored.com Rocket Lab proposes $2B solution for faster Mars Sample Return as NASA reviews options
NASA is moving forward with critical decisions on its Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, aiming to reduce costs and expedite...
We've got some more details on RocketLab's MSR proposal:
> The company’s concept centers around two Neutron rockets, one launching an Earth Return Orbiter and another launching a lander carrying the Mars Ascent Vehicle. > > The lander would retrieve up to 30 sample tubes from NASA’s Perseverance rover, which has been on the Martian surface since 2021, and launch them into orbit, where the Earth Return Orbiter would capture them for the journey back. Rocket Lab said it would aim to return samples as early as 2031 for under $2 billion.
- NASA awards Rocket Lab study contract for Mars Sample Returnspacenews.com NASA awards Rocket Lab study contract for Mars Sample Return
NASA has awarded a contract to Rocket Lab to study alternative concepts for Mars Sample Return (MSR), joining several other efforts to improve the cost and schedule of the program.
- [Video] More Archimedes engine testing at Stennis
https://x.com/RocketLab/status/1840143678171689435
> Things have been heating up at Stennis 🔥 > > The Archimedes engine development and qualification campaign continues to progress well with lots of hot fires taking the engine through various operating conditions and tweaks.
- Electron launches second set of Kinéis satellitesspacenews.com Electron launches second set of Kinéis satellites
An Electron launched a second set of satellites for French startup Kinéis Sept. 20, putting that company on track to begin Internet of Things services.
- Full house. [Peter Beck]
Peter Beck shares a photo of the factory.
Source: https://x.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1830782638136926332
- Rocket Lab-built Mars smallsats arrive at launch sitespacenews.com Rocket Lab-built Mars smallsats arrive at launch site
A pair of smallsats built by Rocket Lab for a NASA mission to Mars have arrived in Florida for a launch this fall on the inaugural flight of New Glenn.
- Rocket Lab "A Sky Full Of SARs" Launch Thread!
A Sky Full Of SARs
| Scheduled for (UTC) | 2024-08-11 13:18 | | --- | --- | | Scheduled for (NZST) | 2024-08-12 01:18 | | Launch site | Rocket Lab LC-1B, Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand | | Booster recovery | No | | Launch vehicle | Electron + Curie | | Customers | Capella Space | | Payload | Acadia-3 | | Mission success criteria | Successful deployment of spacecraft into desired orbit |
Livestreams
| Stream | Link | | --- | --- | | Rocket Lab (official) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFH0ZS2GHd8 | | Space Affairs | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1EIRGMhgWg | | The Launch Pad | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKC0aVLJvas |
Stats
- This will be the 10th launch for Rocket Lab this year.
- This will be the 52nd overall launch for Rocket Lab.
Payload info:
> Acadia-3 > > Capella Space introduced its latest generation of satellites named "Acadia", which offer increased imaging capability and improved communications connectivity. These satellites are smaller and lighter than previous models, but offer higher resolution and detection capabilities, enabling better Earth observation and more accurate decision-making. > > Capella Space's new generation of satellites feature synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, which allows them to capture images of the Earth in all weather conditions and at any time of the day or night. In addition, these satellites have enhanced communication capabilities, allowing them to transmit data and images faster and more efficiently.
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Previous mission: Owl For One, One For Owl
Next mission: Kinéis Killed The RadIoT Star
Please post small launch updates, discussions, and questions here! Also feel free to leave feedback or suggestions for the mod team. We’re a relatively new community, so feedback is very valuable!
- Rocket Lab fires Archimedes engine for the first timespacenews.com Rocket Lab fires Archimedes engine for the first time
Rocket Lab has fired its Archimedes engine for the first time, a key step in its efforts to develop the Neutron reusable rocket.
Some more info on the recent engine tests.
- Archimedes engine test fire
> Archimedes has been breathing fire! Started at low power and now cranking it up.
- Neutron | Stage 2 Cryogenic Test
Cryogenic burst test of a Neutron stage 2 test tank last October.
> This crucial test involved filling the tank with liquid nitrogen & pressurizing it to expected flight pressures, then pushing it all the way to failure to test extreme tolerances.
- Rocket Lab is currently hiring for numerous marine positions related to the development of the Neutron rocket landing barge
https://x.com/SpaceOffshore/status/1819097810517586100
>Rocket Lab is currently hiring for numerous marine positions related to the development of the Neutron rocket landing barge. The available roles include: > > - Marine Operations & Logistics Lead > - Recovery Engineers (II, Senior, and Lead) > - Marine Commodity Managers (Supply Chain) > > https://www.rocketlabusa.com/careers/positions/
Interesting that Rocket Lab is now considering barge landings for Neutron. This contrasts with one of the early concept videos where they stated that Neutron would always RTLS (return to launch site), and not land on a barge.
- Rocket Lab launches fifth Synspective satellitespacenews.com Rocket Lab launches fifth Synspective satellite
Rocket Lab launched the fifth radar imaging satellite for Japanese company Synspective Aug. 2, continuing work with its largest commercial customer.
- Rocket Lab "Owl For One, One For Owl" Launch Thread!
Owl For One, One For Owl
| Scheduled for (UTC) | 2024-08-02 16:39 | | --- | --- | | Scheduled for (NZST) | 2024-08-03 04:39 | | Launch site | Rocket Lab LC-1B, Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand | | Booster recovery | No | | Launch vehicle | Electron + Curie | | Customers | Synspective | | Payload | StriX satellite | | Mission success criteria | Successful deployment of spacecraft into desired orbit |
Livestreams
| Stream | Link | | --- | --- | | Rocket Lab (official) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdikUDvKYmc | | Space Affairs | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svnhIFuI4ro |
Stats
- This will be the 9th launch for Rocket Lab this year.
- This will be the 51st overall launch for Rocket Lab.
Payload info:
> StriX Launch 5 > >This is the first of a bulk buy of two Electron launches by Synspective to deliver their StriX satellites to low Earth orbit. StriX satellites can collect data with a ground resolution of 1-3m and a swath width of more than 10-30km. Each Electron launch will deliver 1 StriX satellite into orbit. This will be the overall 5th StriX satellite launched by Rocket Lab for Synspective.
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Previous mission: No Time Toulouse
Next mission: A Sky Full Of SARs
Please post small launch updates, discussions, and questions here! Also feel free to leave feedback or suggestions for the mod team. We’re a relatively new community, so feedback is very valuable!
- A Comparison of Electric and Chemical Propulsion in the Era of Low Launch Costs — Dawn Aerospacewww.dawnaerospace.com A Comparison of Electric and Chemical Propulsion in the Era of Low Launch Costs — Dawn Aerospace
Delft, The Netherlands - 18 July 2024 Electric propulsion systems (EP) have gained popularity in the low Earth orbit (LEO) propulsion market over the last decade, largely due to their lower launch costs. This is driven by their relatively high fuel efficiency (specific impulse - Isp) which reduces
- Dawn's Mk-II cleared for supersonic flight tests - SpaceNewsspacenews.com Dawn's Mk-II cleared for supersonic flight tests
Dawn Aerospace is poised to begin supersonic testing of its Mk-II Aurora spaceplane.
Dawn aerospace looking good
- Sir Peter Beck unplugged: “Transporter can do it for free for all we care” | Ars Technicaarstechnica.com Sir Peter Beck unplugged: “Transporter can do it for free for all we care”
"Look, there's no accidental monopoly. They are a ruthless competitor."
Pretty cool interview with Sir Peter
- Rocket Lab "No Time Toulouse" Launch Thread!
No Time Toulouse
| Scheduled for (UTC) | 2024-06-20 18:13 | | --- | --- | | Scheduled for (NZST) | 2024-06-21 06:13 | | Launch site | Rocket Lab LC-1B, Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand | | Booster recovery | No | | Launch vehicle | Electron + Curie | | Customers | Kinéis | | Payloads | Kinéis 1-5 | | Mission success criteria | Successful deployment of spacecraft into Low Earth Orbit |
Livestreams
| Stream | Link | | --- | --- | | Rocket Lab (official) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYpQkHw9s1I | Everyday Astronaut | | Space Affairs | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjEdn_6evjs | The Launch Pad |
Stats
- This will be the 8th launch for Rocket Lab this year.
- This will be the 🎉 50th 🎉 overall launch for Rocket Lab.
Payload info:
> First batch of five satellites for the French Kinéis IoT constellation designed to operate with 25 nanosatellites of 30 kg each. The constellation will enable Kinéis, a company backed by private and public investors including the French government’s space agency CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales) and CLS (Collecte Localisation Satellites) an international space-based solutions provider, to improve its global IoT connectivity.
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Previous mission (PREFIRE And Ice) | Next mission (Owl For One, One For Owl)
Please post small launch updates, discussions, and questions here! Also feel free to leave feedback or suggestions for the mod team. We’re a relatively new community, so feedback is very valuable!
- Synspective orders 10 Rocket Lab Electron launchesspacenews.com Synspective orders 10 Rocket Lab Electron launches
Japanese radar imaging company Synspective has signed a contract for 10 Electron launches from Rocket Lab, the largest contract in Rocket Lab's history.
- Rocket Lab wins government support to expand solar cell productionspacenews.com Rocket Lab wins government support to expand solar cell production
Rocket Lab has lined up nearly $50 million in federal and state funding to help expand a New Mexico solar cell factory.
- Electron launches second NASA PREFIRE cubesatspacenews.com Electron launches second NASA PREFIRE cubesat
A Rocket Lab Electron rocket launched the second of a pair of NASA cubesats designed to monitor infrared emissions at the Earth’s poles.
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/16232325
- Peter Beck receives knighthoodwww.nzherald.co.nz King's Birthday Honours: Peter Beck, Theresa Gattung and Joan Withers receive top gongs
Two dames and a knight have been named from the business community.
>Former Telecom chief executive Theresa Gattung, high-profile company director Joan Withers and Rocket Lab founder Peter Beck have been given titular honours. > >The appointment of a trio of businesspeople among the four new knights and dames is in stark contrast to the prior year’s list when, of the seven people given titles, the only business leader was company director Jo Brosnahan.
Congratulations, Sir Peter Beck!
- Rocket Lab "PREFIRE And Ice" Launch Thread!
PREFIRE And Ice
Just a week after the first PREFIRE spacecraft were launched, it's time for part two!
| Scheduled for (UTC) | 2024-06-05 03:00 | | --- | --- | | Scheduled for (NZST) | 2024-06-05 15:00 | | Launch site | Rocket Lab LC-1B, Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand | | Booster recovery | No | | Launch vehicle | Electron + Curie | | Customers | NASA | | Payloads | PREFIRE | | Mission success criteria | Successful deployment of spacecraft into Sun-Synchronous Orbit |
Livestreams
| Stream | Link | | --- | --- | | Rocket Lab (official) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBBhzkNzcYQ (scrub) | Everyday Astronaut | | Space Affairs | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yyw7FyMzsgI (scrub) | The Launch Pad | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFygbJ4BiSs
Stats
- This will be the 7th launch for Rocket Lab this year.
- This will be the 49th overall launch for Rocket Lab.
Payload info:
>The PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment) mission will send two CubeSats into space to study how much heat the planet absorbs and emits from its polar regions, including the Arctic and Antarctica. > >Analysis of PREFIRE measurements will inform climate and ice models, providing better projections of how a warming world will affect sea ice loss, ice sheet melt, and sea level rise. Improving climate models can ultimately help to provide more accurate projections on the impacts of storm severity and frequency, as well as coastal erosion and flooding.
Previous mission (Ready, Aim, PREFIRE) | Next mission (No Time Toulouse)
Please post small launch updates, discussions, and questions here! Also feel free to leave feedback or suggestions for the mod team. We’re a relatively new community, so feedback is very valuable!
- Electron launches first NASA PREFIRE Earth science cubesatspacenews.com Electron launches first NASA PREFIRE Earth science cubesat
Rocket Lab launched the first of two NASA Earth science cubesats on an Electron rocket May 25, exactly seven years after the company’s first launch.
- Rocket Lab "Ready, Aim, PREFIRE" Launch Thread!
Ready, Aim, PREFIRE
Another month, another Rocket Lab launch!
| Scheduled for (UTC) | 2024-05-25 07:28 | | --- | --- | | Scheduled for (NZST) | 2024-05-25 19:28 | | Launch site | Rocket Lab LC-1B, Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand | | Booster recovery | No | | Launch vehicle | Electron + Curie | | Customers | NASA | | Payloads | PREFIRE | | Mission success criteria | Successful deployment of spacecraft into Sun-Synchronous Orbit |
Livestreams
| Stream | Link | | --- | --- | | Rocket Lab (official) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7nYAJ4dZP4 | Everyday Astronaut | | Space Affairs | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFwfQQLz7Q0 | The Launch Pad | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS-3rieuK6E
Stats
- This will be the 6th launch for Rocket Lab this year.
- This will be the 48th overall launch for Rocket Lab.
Payload info:
>The PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment) mission will send two CubeSats into space to study how much heat the planet absorbs and emits from its polar regions, including the Arctic and Antarctica. > >Analysis of PREFIRE measurements will inform climate and ice models, providing better projections of how a warming world will affect sea ice loss, ice sheet melt, and sea level rise. Improving climate models can ultimately help to provide more accurate projections on the impacts of storm severity and frequency, as well as coastal erosion and flooding.
Previous mission (Beginning Of The Swarm) | Next mission (PREFIRE And Ice)
Please post small launch updates, discussions, and questions here! Also feel free to leave feedback or suggestions for the mod team. We’re a relatively new community, so feedback is very valuable!
- Rocket Lab pushes back Neutron debut to 2025spacenews.com Rocket Lab pushes back Neutron debut to 2025
As Rocket Lab prepares to begin tests of the first Archimedes engine, it says that Neutron won’t be ready for its first flight before the middle of 2025.
Only slightly disappointing, and not too surprising. It's honestly pretty impressive how little the timeline has slipped so far. Neutron was announced in 2021 with a target launch date in 2024. If it takes only 33% longer, that will still be pretty quick for rocket development.
- Rocket Lab announces supplier agreements for military satellite projectspacenews.com Rocket Lab announces supplier agreements for military satellite project
Rocket Lab announces supplier agreements for military satellite project
- Rocket Lab Completes Archimedes Engine Build, Begins Engine Test Campaign | Business Wirewww.businesswire.com Rocket Lab Completes Archimedes Engine Build, Begins Engine Test Campaign
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has comp
