From Contract Signing to Orbit in Just Ten Weeks Rocket Lab Marks 54th Electron Mission with Speedy Deployment

Written by Copernical Team Wednesday, 06 November 2024 07:04

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Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 06, 2024

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) achieved a new milestone with the successful deployment of a satellite into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for a confidential commercial client. This mission, titled "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes," was launched from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, at 11:54 p.m. on November 5, 2024. Notably, this mission marked Rocket Lab's 12th

From Contract Signing to Orbit in Just Ten Weeks Rocket Lab Marks 54th Electron Mission with Speedy Deployment
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 06, 2024

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) achieved a new milestone with the successful deployment of a satellite into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for a confidential commercial client. This mission, titled "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes," was launched from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, at 11:54 p.m. on November 5, 2024.

Notably, this mission marked Rocket Lab's 12th Electron launch of the year, surpassing the previous annual record of 10 missions in 2023. With these launches, Electron has secured its position as the world's third most frequently launched rocket type and the second in the United States.

The launch, executed less than ten weeks after the contract was signed, stands as one of Rocket Lab's quickest turnarounds to date. Traditionally, satellite launch timelines extend over years due to complex processes and logistical hurdles. Rocket Lab's approach with the Electron rocket, however, has shifted the paradigm, allowing clients to transition from contract signing to launch in mere weeks. This rapid timeline benefits customers by enabling faster technology testing, earlier revenue generation for satellite constellations, and swift access to essential data from orbit.

The Electron's expedited launch process is underpinned by Rocket Lab's standardized vehicle production, highly responsive launch sites, a solidly established launch system, and a dedicated team skilled at delivering rapid-response launches throughout the year.

Rocket Lab's founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, commented, "Another successful launch showcasing all the best attributes of the Rocket Lab team and Electron: a streamlined process from contract to orbit, pinpoint deployment accuracy, and a responsive service tailored exactly to the customer's needs. Now 12 for 12 this year across commercial, civil, and national security missions, I'm proud of the team for delivering launch after launch as we continue to deliver a record year across launch and space systems."