Kinéis CEO Alexandre Tisserant, says: "The Kinéis teams have once again demonstrated their technical capabilities as satellite operators by taking control of these five new satellites at a sustained launch rate. This achievement would not have been possible without Rocket Lab's Electron precision in placing our satellites in their planned positions. With 15 Kinéis satellites now in orbit, we're one step closer to the full deployment of our dedicated IoT constellation for transmitting data in near-real time, anywhere on the globe. Congratulations to all our teams, who are doing an incredible job - and, let's not forget, a European first! We're equally enthusiastic about our second mission, AIS. In a rapidly consolidating market, Kinéis is establishing itself as a sovereign European player, combining technological expertise and strategic independence. With our new AIS offering, we provide maritime players with enhanced visibility over their fleets, while ensuring higher data reliability."
The ‘Ice AIS Baby’ mission was the third of five dedicated Electron launches for 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 global IoT connectivity. The Kinéis constellation is designed to make it possible to connect and locate any connected object anywhere in the world, enabling data transmission to users in near-real time, at low bit rates and with very low energy consumption. By enabling internet connection to the Earth’s most remote locations, Kinéis constellation can support forest fire detection, water resource management, infrastructure and energy network monitoring, transport and logistics tracking, and much more.
Launch images: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBSWqi
Launch webcast: www.youtube.com/live/i081vyh3WO0?si=qfXyY5ejvJZwscP0
The ‘Ice AIS Baby’ mission was the third of five dedicated Electron launches for 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 global IoT connectivity. The Kinéis constellation is designed to make it possible to connect and locate any connected object anywhere in the world, enabling data transmission to users in near-real time, at low bit rates and with very low energy consumption. By enabling internet connection to the Earth’s most remote locations, Kinéis constellation can support forest fire detection, water resource management, infrastructure and energy network monitoring, transport and logistics tracking, and much more.
Launch images: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBSWqi
Launch webcast: www.youtube.com/live/i081vyh3WO0?si=qfXyY5ejvJZwscP0
Flickr
F56 Ice AIS Baby
Explore this photo album by Official Rocket Lab Photos on Flickr!
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Big news! We now formally signed a $23.9M award from U.S. Commerce Dept under the CHIPS and Science Act. The funding will boost our manufacturing capabilities at our New Mexico facility to scale semiconductor production to meet the U.S. rapidly growing demand.
Our space-grade solar cells power satellites that require high reliability and optimum performance in extreme environments, powering innovation on Earth and beyond! 🚀
Our space-grade solar cells power satellites that require high reliability and optimum performance in extreme environments, powering innovation on Earth and beyond! 🚀
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A day in the life of flight hardware testing for Neutron.
We recently took our new rocket’s second stage through an initial Wet Dress Rehearsal, successfully running its flight avionics and pressurant and propellant management systems to emulate flight operations.
We recently took our new rocket’s second stage through an initial Wet Dress Rehearsal, successfully running its flight avionics and pressurant and propellant management systems to emulate flight operations.
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Latest Archimedes hotfire pictures have dropped🔥
We’ve doubled our engine test cadence these past months, rapidly implementing tweaks to Archimedes on the test stand at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.
We’ve doubled our engine test cadence these past months, rapidly implementing tweaks to Archimedes on the test stand at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.
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The owl is back 🦉
Next on the pad at LC-1? A dedicated Electron launch for @Synspective
🚀 Mission: Owl The Way Up
⏰ Launch window: No earlier than 18 Dec NZT.
💻 Mission info: rocketlabusa.com/next-mission
Next on the pad at LC-1? A dedicated Electron launch for @Synspective
🚀 Mission: Owl The Way Up
⏰ Launch window: No earlier than 18 Dec NZT.
💻 Mission info: rocketlabusa.com/next-mission
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Mission success for our latest hypersonic launch!
Our suborbital launch for Department of defence took place in November to test hypersonic tech for the MACH-TB program, which aims to increase U.S. hypersonic flight testing.
Not only did our team successfully complete the launch, we also designed, manufactured, assembled, and integrated the experimental instrument for the test on a highly accelerated timeline.
Our suborbital launch for Department of defence took place in November to test hypersonic tech for the MACH-TB program, which aims to increase U.S. hypersonic flight testing.
Not only did our team successfully complete the launch, we also designed, manufactured, assembled, and integrated the experimental instrument for the test on a highly accelerated timeline.
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Mission Success for Rocket Lab’s Latest Suborbital Hypersonic Launch
Long Beach, Calif. Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it successfully launched a suborbital mission in November to test hypersonic technology for the Department of Defense.
This mission provided hypersonic test launch capabilities under the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonics Test Bed (MACH-TB) project, which aims to increase hypersonic flight testing for the United States in support of technology maturation. The project was awarded by Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane through the Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S2MARTS) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) vehicle on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense Test Resource Management Center (TRMC).
George Rumford, Director of the TRMC, states: “Leveraging commercial launch services allows our Nation to affordably test components early and frequently, accelerating hypersonic development.”
Rocket Lab’s test platform showcased a new suite of cutting-edge technologies optimized for hypersonic technology tests with vastly increased payloads. Rocket Lab also designed, manufactured, assembled, and integrated the experimental hypersonic instrumentation which was launched on this mission, but on a highly accelerated timeline.
Rocket Lab’s Vice President Global Launch Services, Brian Rogers, says: “Hypersonic technology testing is a critical need for the nation and one that we’re proud to be serving with our test launches. Again, we broke new ground with this launch, and our ability to deliver successful tests demonstrates our commitment to working with our government and industry partners in pushing the boundaries of hypersonic innovation.”
Rocket Lab has been launching missions to space for commercial and government customers since 2017, with more than 200 payloads deployed from its United States and New Zealand launch sites.
Long Beach, Calif. Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it successfully launched a suborbital mission in November to test hypersonic technology for the Department of Defense.
This mission provided hypersonic test launch capabilities under the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonics Test Bed (MACH-TB) project, which aims to increase hypersonic flight testing for the United States in support of technology maturation. The project was awarded by Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane through the Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S2MARTS) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) vehicle on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense Test Resource Management Center (TRMC).
George Rumford, Director of the TRMC, states: “Leveraging commercial launch services allows our Nation to affordably test components early and frequently, accelerating hypersonic development.”
Rocket Lab’s test platform showcased a new suite of cutting-edge technologies optimized for hypersonic technology tests with vastly increased payloads. Rocket Lab also designed, manufactured, assembled, and integrated the experimental hypersonic instrumentation which was launched on this mission, but on a highly accelerated timeline.
Rocket Lab’s Vice President Global Launch Services, Brian Rogers, says: “Hypersonic technology testing is a critical need for the nation and one that we’re proud to be serving with our test launches. Again, we broke new ground with this launch, and our ability to deliver successful tests demonstrates our commitment to working with our government and industry partners in pushing the boundaries of hypersonic innovation.”
Rocket Lab has been launching missions to space for commercial and government customers since 2017, with more than 200 payloads deployed from its United States and New Zealand launch sites.
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The mission will be Rocket Lab’s sixth launch for Synspective, out of a total of 16 missions booked on Electron by the Japanese Earth observation company.
Long Beach, California. 5 December, 2024 – Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced a launch window for an upcoming Electron mission to deploy the latest satellite in Synspective’s growing Earth observation constellation.
Long Beach, California. 5 December, 2024 – Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced a launch window for an upcoming Electron mission to deploy the latest satellite in Synspective’s growing Earth observation constellation.
The “Owl The Way Up” mission is scheduled to launch from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand during a launch window that opens on December 18th NZDT (December 17 UTC). The mission will deploy a single StriX satellite to orbit for Synspective. The mission will be the sixth in a total of 16 launches booked on Electron for Synspective, a Japanese Earth observation company operating a constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites designed to deliver imagery that can detect millimetre-level changes to the Earth’s surface from space. Rocket Lab first launched for Synspective in December 2020 and has been the sole launch provider for Synspective’s constellation to date.
Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, says: “As the sole launch provider for Synspective to date, we’ve developed an enduring relationship with their team built on trust and reliability across multiple Electron missions. By flying as the dedicated customer, rather than ridesharing, we’ve put Synspective in control of their launch schedule and mission parameters, affording them a level of control over their mission not traditionally afforded to small satellite operators. We’re looking forward to placing another StriX satellite in orbit and supporting Synspective’s vision to enable persistent monitoring of our planet to support disaster relief, agricultural development, maritime domain awareness and much more.”
Rocket Lab has launched 14 missions to date in 2024, besting the Company’s previous annual launch record of 10 missions achieved in 2023.
Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, says: “As the sole launch provider for Synspective to date, we’ve developed an enduring relationship with their team built on trust and reliability across multiple Electron missions. By flying as the dedicated customer, rather than ridesharing, we’ve put Synspective in control of their launch schedule and mission parameters, affording them a level of control over their mission not traditionally afforded to small satellite operators. We’re looking forward to placing another StriX satellite in orbit and supporting Synspective’s vision to enable persistent monitoring of our planet to support disaster relief, agricultural development, maritime domain awareness and much more.”
Rocket Lab has launched 14 missions to date in 2024, besting the Company’s previous annual launch record of 10 missions achieved in 2023.
About Synspective’s constellation:
Synspective's small SAR satellites, StriX, are equipped with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensor, which can observe the Earth's surface in any weather condition day or night. Not affected by clouds or rain, SAR is suitable for persistent monitoring of disasters and detailed changes to secure critical infrastructure and other facilities. Example use cases include:
- detecting anomalies in road, rail, energy and other infrastructure, resulting in lower maintenance costs and accident risk,
- monitoring crop growth conditions and analyzing soil and vegetation health to help reduce costs and increase efficiency for farmers,
- detecting illegal logging and fishing in the most remote parts of the world,
- providing rapid damage assessment after flooding, landslides and volcanic eruptions, as well as risk assessment for land subsidence,
- enabling the persistent monitoring of maritime traffic, border activities and other potential security threats, and advances maritime domain awareness,
- analyzing tree cover to calculate CO2 absorption and carbon credits.
Synspective's small SAR satellites, StriX, are equipped with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensor, which can observe the Earth's surface in any weather condition day or night. Not affected by clouds or rain, SAR is suitable for persistent monitoring of disasters and detailed changes to secure critical infrastructure and other facilities. Example use cases include:
- detecting anomalies in road, rail, energy and other infrastructure, resulting in lower maintenance costs and accident risk,
- monitoring crop growth conditions and analyzing soil and vegetation health to help reduce costs and increase efficiency for farmers,
- detecting illegal logging and fishing in the most remote parts of the world,
- providing rapid damage assessment after flooding, landslides and volcanic eruptions, as well as risk assessment for land subsidence,
- enabling the persistent monitoring of maritime traffic, border activities and other potential security threats, and advances maritime domain awareness,
- analyzing tree cover to calculate CO2 absorption and carbon credits.
Long Beach, Calif. December 17, 2024 – Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, has successfully delivered its second Pioneer spacecraft to Vandenberg Space Force Base and completed production and testing of a third for Varda Space Industries, Inc. (“Varda”), the world's first orbital pharmaceutical processing and hypersonic Earth re-entry logistics company.
The two spacecraft are part of a four-vehicle contract between Rocket Lab and Varda, aimed at revolutionizing commercial manufacturing in space. Designed, built, and tested at Rocket Lab’s state-of-the-art Spacecraft Production Complex in Long Beach, California, the Pioneer platform serves as the enabler of Varda’s innovative missions.
The two spacecraft are part of a four-vehicle contract between Rocket Lab and Varda, aimed at revolutionizing commercial manufacturing in space. Designed, built, and tested at Rocket Lab’s state-of-the-art Spacecraft Production Complex in Long Beach, California, the Pioneer platform serves as the enabler of Varda’s innovative missions.
Rocket Lab’s Pioneer platform hosts Varda’s reentry capsule, which leverages microgravity conditions to conduct operations in space that are difficult or impossible on Earth. Rocket Lab’s Pioneer spacecraft provides essential systems for power, communications, propulsion, and attitude control for Varda’s 120kg reentry capsule. To enable Varda’s operations and safely return the capsule to Earth, the Pioneer spacecraft maneuvers the capsule into the precise position and sets it on a course for reentry. Rocket Lab also provides critical mission operations support for launch, commissioning, operation and reentry of the spacecraft. The first Pioneer spacecraft Rocket Lab developed for Varda was launched in 2023 and spent eight months on orbit, successfully enabling the growth of crystals of the HIV/AIDS-treating drug ritonavir inside Varda’s capsule. The capsule was successfully deorbited and landed in the Utah desert in February 2024.
For Varda’s second mission, scheduled for launch in Q1 of 2025, Rocket Lab and Varda will once again conduct in-space operations, reentry positioning maneuvers, but this time deorbit the spacecraft over Australia and land Varda’s capsule at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia.
Rocket Lab’s ability to complete production and testing of a third spacecraft for Varda less than two months after completion of the second is testament to the Company’s vertical integration strategy and recent scaling of satellite production capability. By vertically integrating design, component manufacturing, satellite integration and testing, Rocket Lab has optimized schedule and cost efficiency in satellite production.
“We’re setting a new standard for rapid, reliable satellite production,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck. “Each Pioneer spacecraft for Varda’s missions is a perfect demonstration of our growing capability as an end-to-end space company that delivers design, manufacturing, integration, testing, launch support and in-space operations to get our customers’ innovative ideas on orbit quickly and cost effectively.”
"This mission is another step toward high cadence reentry," said Varda CEO and co-founder Will Bruey. "Soon, reentry will be as common as launch."
Learn more about Rocket Lab’s spacecraft for Varda: Varda Space Industries | Rocket Lab
For Varda’s second mission, scheduled for launch in Q1 of 2025, Rocket Lab and Varda will once again conduct in-space operations, reentry positioning maneuvers, but this time deorbit the spacecraft over Australia and land Varda’s capsule at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia.
Rocket Lab’s ability to complete production and testing of a third spacecraft for Varda less than two months after completion of the second is testament to the Company’s vertical integration strategy and recent scaling of satellite production capability. By vertically integrating design, component manufacturing, satellite integration and testing, Rocket Lab has optimized schedule and cost efficiency in satellite production.
“We’re setting a new standard for rapid, reliable satellite production,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck. “Each Pioneer spacecraft for Varda’s missions is a perfect demonstration of our growing capability as an end-to-end space company that delivers design, manufacturing, integration, testing, launch support and in-space operations to get our customers’ innovative ideas on orbit quickly and cost effectively.”
"This mission is another step toward high cadence reentry," said Varda CEO and co-founder Will Bruey. "Soon, reentry will be as common as launch."
Learn more about Rocket Lab’s spacecraft for Varda: Varda Space Industries | Rocket Lab
Double the spacecraft, double the excitement! 🛰️
Our Space Systems team has hit another milestone at our Spacecraft Production Complex in Long Beach, CA! We’ve successfully delivered a second Pioneer spacecraft to Vandenberg Space Force Base and completed a third for VardaSpace upcoming W-2 and W-3 missions.
Our Space Systems team has hit another milestone at our Spacecraft Production Complex in Long Beach, CA! We’ve successfully delivered a second Pioneer spacecraft to Vandenberg Space Force Base and completed a third for VardaSpace upcoming W-2 and W-3 missions.
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Rocket Lab Successfully Deploys Satellite for Synspective, Caps Off Year with 60% Increase in Launches YoY
Mahia, New Zealand. 22 December 2024 – Rocket Lab today announced it successfully completed the Company’s 16th launch for the year, deploying a satellite for Japanese Earth-observation constellation operator Synspective.
The “Owl The Way Up” mission lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand on 22 December at 03:17 NZT deploying a single StriX satellite to orbit from the Electron launch vehicle. The mission was the sixth in a total of 16 launches booked on Electron for Synspective, an Earth observation company operating a constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites designed to deliver imagery that can detect millimetre-level changes to the Earth’s surface from space. Rocket Lab first launched for Synspective in December 2020 and has been the sole launch provider for Synspective’s constellation to date.
Mahia, New Zealand. 22 December 2024 – Rocket Lab today announced it successfully completed the Company’s 16th launch for the year, deploying a satellite for Japanese Earth-observation constellation operator Synspective.
The “Owl The Way Up” mission lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand on 22 December at 03:17 NZT deploying a single StriX satellite to orbit from the Electron launch vehicle. The mission was the sixth in a total of 16 launches booked on Electron for Synspective, an Earth observation company operating a constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites designed to deliver imagery that can detect millimetre-level changes to the Earth’s surface from space. Rocket Lab first launched for Synspective in December 2020 and has been the sole launch provider for Synspective’s constellation to date.
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