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[charlie T colton]

Rocket-Lab launching again soon, this time with satellites to space

Rocket Lab's rocket is launching again soon — and this time it'll carry satellites to space - Sep 26, 2017

The introduction:

Aerospace startup Rocket Lab is gearing up for the second flight ever of the company’s experimental rocket, the Electron, which is slated to take off again sometime in October. This time, when the vehicle flies, it will have satellites on board.

Both Planet and Spire — two companies that operate small satellites in orbit — will have payloads on the Electron’s second test flight, dubbed “Still Testing.” The rocket will carry two of Planet’s Dove satellites, designed to image Earth, as well as two of Spire’s Lemur-2 satellites that track weather and ship traffic.
"“We’re thrilled with Electron’s performance in the first test flight.”"

Rocket Lab — a US-based company that launches out of New Zealand — pulled off its first test flight ever of the Electron in May. During that mission, called “It’s a Test,” the rocket didn’t carry any satellites, but instead lofted a test payload equipped with instruments to collect data during the flight. That flight was nearly successful, too, and made it to space. However, the rocket didn’t reach orbit, due to a communication mishap between the vehicle and ground equipment operated by a third-party contractor.



Rocket Lab’s Electron vehicle taking off during its first test flight. Image: Rocket Lab



The Electron at Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 on the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand. Photo: Rocket Lab


For reference:

The Rutherford Engine video on vimeo.com