A Rocket Lab Electron launch vehicle successfully lifted off from Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand’s M?hia Peninsula at 04:30 UTC, Saturday 29 June 2019 (16:30 NZST). The Make It Rain mission launched seven satellites to orbit for rideshare and mission management provider, Spaceflight.
At approximately 56 minutes after lift-off, the Make It Rain payloads were successfully delivered to their precise individual orbits by Electron’s Kick Stage. Among the satellites on board were BlackSky Global-3, two U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Prometheus, and Melbourne Space Program’s ACRUX-1.
The mission was Rocket Lab’s seventh launch of an Electron rocket and the company’s third launch for 2019. The mission took the total number of satellites deployed by Rocket Lab to 35 and continues the company’s record of 100% mission success for its customers.
“Congratulations to the dedicated teams behind the payloads on this mission, and also to our team for another flawless Electron launch,” says Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck. “It’s a privilege to provide tailored and reliable access to space for small satellites like these, giving each one a smooth ride to orbit and precise deployment, even in a rideshare arrangement.”
Rocket Lab’s next mission is yet to be announced, but is scheduled for lift-off from Launch Complex 1 in the coming weeks. Rocket Lab’s manifest is booked with monthly launches for the remainder of 2019, scaling to a launch every two weeks in 2020.
For real-time updates and upcoming mission announcements, follow Rocket Lab on Twitter @RocketLab.
About Rocket Lab:
Rocket Lab is the world’s leading small satellite launch provider. Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab provides end-to-end mission services, including complete satellite build and launch solutions, that provide rapid, frequent and reliable access to space. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab has delivered 35 satellites to orbit on the Electron launch vehicle, enabling operations in space debris mitigation, Earth observation, ship and airplane tracking, and radio communications. Headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron launch vehicle, a full carbon-composite launch vehicle tailored for small satellites. Rocket Lab operates launch sites in M?hia, New Zealand and Wallops Island, Virginia. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.
Rocket Lab Media Contact:
Morgan Bailey
(+64) 27 538 9039 | media@rocketlabusa.com
Images from the mission are available in the media library at www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/link-to-rocket-lab-imagery-and-video
