Rocket Lab Launcher

[Flyaway]

Perfect final orbit and satellite separation.

— Peter Beck (@Peter_J_Beck) December 15, 2020

View: https://twitter.com/peter_j_beck/status/1338813525557309447

Perfect final orbit and satellite separation.

As seen from Invercargill at the bottom end of the South Island of New Zealand.

📸 Tania Horton pic.twitter.com/2sK9VNMh5b

— Peter Beck (@Peter_J_Beck) December 15, 2020

View: https://twitter.com/peter_j_beck/status/1338814945966792704

As seen from Invercargill at the bottom end of the South Island of New Zealand.

Tania Horton

 

[Flyaway]

Major panic getting the camera zoomed in and turned around when we realized the Twilight effect was happening - didn't expect it so long after sunset! @RocketLab pic.twitter.com/sTHPMVFXVx

— Brendan Gully (@brendan_gully) December 15, 2020

View: https://twitter.com/brendan_gully/status/1338818765769768961

Major panic getting the camera zoomed in and turned around when we realized the Twilight effect was happening - didn't expect it so long after sunset! @RocketLab

 

[Flyaway]

No recovery on today’s mission. Next recovery in the new year.

 

[Flyaway]

Payload deployment is not shown seemingly due to commercial confidentially. According to NSF it is a Chinese/German developed satellite.

MISSION SUCCESS! Our 18th mission successfully left the crust and @OHB_SE's payload has been deployed to a perfect orbit. What a way to start the year! pic.twitter.com/ReoENmMRuk

— Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) January 20, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1351814216194244610

MISSION SUCCESS! Our 18th mission successfully left the crust and @OHB_SE's payload has been deployed to a perfect orbit. What a way to start the year!

 

[Flyaway]

Rocket Lab’s Next Mission to Launch 100th Satellite and Deploy Next-Generation Photon Spacecraft in Preparation for Moon Mission | Rocket Lab

The mission will deploy a range of satellites for commercial and government customers, as well as place a next-generation Photon spacecraft in orbit to build heritage for Rocket Lab’s upcoming mission to the Moon for NASA

www.rocketlabusa.com

 

[Flyaway]

In the past 3 weeks we've been testing Photon First Light's capabilities & verifying tech for exciting future missions. It's with this spacecraft's levelled-up sibling (the high-energy, interplanetary Photon) that we'll to go to the Moon for NASA and onto Venus in search of life. pic.twitter.com/fpITFyF6Mu

— Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) September 24, 2020

View: https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1309215910729670656

In the past 3 weeks we've been testing Photon First Light's capabilities & verifying tech for exciting future missions. It's with this spacecraft's levelled-up sibling (the high-energy, interplanetary Photon) that we'll to go to the Moon for NASA and onto Venus in search of life.

Our 1st Photon satellite has been in orbit for more than a month now! First Light has settled into an altitude of 538 km, completed about 500 orbits & covered more than 14 million km. Meanwhile, our team has been busy testing Photon systems for our upcoming Moon & Venus missions. pic.twitter.com/A3GyKYKVmU

— Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) September 30, 2020

View: https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1311391056206807040

Our 1st Photon satellite has been in orbit for more than a month now! First Light has settled into an altitude of 538 km, completed about 500 orbits & covered more than 14 million km. Meanwhile, our team has been busy testing Photon systems for our upcoming Moon & Venus missions.

With this 1st Photon we're testing tech for exciting future missions of First Light’s levelled-up sibling, the high-energy, interplanetary Photon. It's with this spacecraft version that we'll head to the Moon next year for @NASA & later onto Venus to support the search for life. pic.twitter.com/JTCsE2VwWk

— Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) September 30, 2020

View: https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1311392187670605824

With this 1st Photon we're testing tech for exciting future missions of First Light’s levelled-up sibling, the high-energy, interplanetary Photon. It's with this spacecraft version that we'll head to the Moon next year for @NASA & later onto Venus to support the search for life.

 

[Flyaway]

Rocket Lab nears merger deal with a SPAC to go public: WSJ

Rocket Lab USA is nearing a deal to go public through a merger with a special-purpose acquisition company Vector Acquisition that would value the small-satellite launch firm at $4.1 billion, including debt, the Wall Street Journal reported.

www.google.co.uk

 

[Michel Van]

Peter Beck made a Big announcement and fulfils a Promis

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agqxJw5ISdk


Oh by they way
Rocket lab goes public stocks market

 

[Flyaway]

View: https://youtu.be/3WhfgiQgAQU

 

[Flyaway]

Press release.

Rocket Lab, an End-to-End Space Company and Global Leader in Launch, to Become Publicly Traded Through Merger with Vector Acquisition Corporation

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch and space systems, and Vector Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: VACQ) (“Vector...

www.businesswire.com

 

[Flyaway]

Scott Manley’s take on Neutron:

View: https://youtu.be/SFdVv4Sau7E

 

[Michel Van]

some internet fun...

New rocket on the market: Atom! 😋 Electrons + Neutron + Proton pic.twitter.com/r48G7Synhd

— Caspar 🚀 Stanley Creative (@Caspar_Stanley) March 2, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/Caspar_Stanley/status/1366757182071582732

 

[Grey Havoc]

Rocket Lab Reveals Plans For Reusable Rocket With 8 Ton Payload - Slashdot

Rocket Lab has unveiled plans for a larger rocket that can carry bigger payloads than its current reusable trooper, the Electron. It's called the Neutron and will be capable of carrying 8 metric tons to low-Earth orbit compared to the Electron's 660 lbs capacity. Engadget reports: The Neutron...

science.slashdot.org

 

[Grey Havoc]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCtM2ra7W98

 

[Flyaway]

Rocket Lab will attempt to recover the first stage on their next flight in May.

Press release:

Rocket Lab to Recover Electron Booster on Next Mission | Rocket Lab

*Bringing a Rocket Back from Space: Rocket Lab to Recover Electron Booster on Next Mission *

www.rocketlabusa.com

 

[Grey Havoc]

Rocket Lab to Attempt 2nd Electron Rocket Recovery Next Month

Rocket Lab will take another big step to launch vehicle reusability next month, when it makes its second attempt to recover an Electron rocket. The

www.satellitetoday.com

 

[Flyaway]

We will have the recovery camera aboard the next flight. Keep posted for some more cool footage of Electron coming home. pic.twitter.com/5YvNnF7YkL

— Peter Beck (@Peter_J_Beck) April 8, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/peter_j_beck/status/1380278067092881408

We will have the recovery camera aboard the next flight. Keep posted for some more cool footage of Electron coming home.

Hold on tight....These separation locks hold back the many tons of force from the drogue chute as it deploys on the next Electron reusability test. pic.twitter.com/Vfijt6jPhb

— Peter Beck (@Peter_J_Beck) April 12, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/peter_j_beck/status/1381461858406699009

Hold on tight....These separation locks hold back the many tons of force from the drogue chute as it deploys on the next Electron reusability test.

Electron is in for quite the ride on our next mission as we work toward reusability pic.twitter.com/upja6ITcOS

— Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) April 14, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1382430479509463043

Electron is in for quite the ride on our next mission as we work toward reusability

 

[Flyaway]

Our next mission is a major step toward making Electron a reusable rocket. So how are we going to bring a rocket back from space?

Check out the full mission info: https://t.co/co5KEzwnPS pic.twitter.com/EumiMmLhcp

— Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) May 3, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1389316653150720000

Our next mission is a major step toward making Electron a reusable rocket. So how are we going to bring a rocket back from space?

Check out the full mission info: bit.ly/3teAmt3

Payload integration has wrapped up in the cleanroom at Launch Complex 1! The two satellites on our 20th mission #RunningOutOfToes will join @BlackSky_Inc's growing Earth-monitoring constellation in LEO. @LeoStellaLLC @SpaceflightInc pic.twitter.com/EGNLzpKuvG

— Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) May 6, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1390111123899256832

Payload integration has wrapped up in the cleanroom at Launch Complex 1! The two satellites on our 20th mission #RunningOutOfToes will join
@BlackSky_Inc's growing Earth-monitoring constellation in LEO. @LeoStellaLLC @SpaceflightInc

 

[Flyaway]

It looks to me that the fairing and/or second stage will fly in a special configuration!

Unknown to me on whether this is an extended fairing, a special or double kick stage, or a special second stage.

See the difference between previous (left) and upcoming mission (right): pic.twitter.com/YkJS5cvM8n

— Everything Rocket Lab (@RocketLab360) May 11, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/rocketlab360/status/1392005443740962821

It looks to me that the fairing and/or second stage will fly in a special configuration!

Unknown to me on whether this is an extended fairing, a special or double kick stage, or a special second stage.

See the difference between previous (left) and upcoming mission (right):

I would say that this is the double kick stage variant. You can see on the latest payload users guide that the dual variant has clasps that no other variant has. You can see these clasps on the electron on the pad. This electron is also launching two black sky satellites that.... pic.twitter.com/xr7nYNNkLH

— Hugo Blair (@hugo_blair) May 11, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/hugo_blair/status/1392036797308309508

I would say that this is the double kick stage variant. You can see on the latest payload users guide that the dual variant has clasps that no other variant has. You can see these clasps on the electron on the pad. This electron is also launching two black sky satellites that....

....need to be in specific orbits. This would be the perfect use case for two photons.

— Hugo Blair (@hugo_blair) May 11, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/hugo_blair/status/1392037032063488002

....need to be in specific orbits. This would be the perfect use case for two photons.

 

[Flyaway]

Rocket Lab is hosting a call with CEO Peter Beck about the company's next Electron launch, which is scheduled for no earlier than May 15, and an update on its plans to recover this rocket booster with an ocean splashdown.

Thread: pic.twitter.com/CHrkNYxbtl

— Michael Sheetz (@thesheetztweetz) May 11, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1392178673617444875

Rocket Lab is hosting a call with CEO Peter Beck about the company's next Electron launch, which is scheduled for no earlier than May 15, and an update on its plans to recover this rocket booster with an ocean splashdown.

Thread:

Rocket Lab announced last month that its 20th flight would feature its second booster recovery attempt:https://t.co/0VbqSdtPvl

— Michael Sheetz (@thesheetztweetz) May 11, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1392178999791702027

Rocket Lab announced last month that its 20th flight would feature its second booster recovery attempt:

Here's a more detailed overview of the "Running Out Of Toes" mission profile: pic.twitter.com/pqEcrFfeMh

— Michael Sheetz (@thesheetztweetz) May 11, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1392179431997906947

Here's a more detailed overview of the "Running Out Of Toes" mission profile:

What's new with this recovery attempt?

Beck: "Really what we're trying to do here is get into a bit of a cadence with our reusability missions and work through some logistics." pic.twitter.com/1kSFgN55aA

— Michael Sheetz (@thesheetztweetz) May 11, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1392180107540930568

What's new with this recovery attempt?

Beck: "Really what we're trying to do here is get into a bit of a cadence with our reusability missions and work through some logistics."

 

[Flyaway]

Beck: For this recovery "we've also introduced what the team calls ORCA – I think it's a terrible name, but the team loves it – Ocean Recovery and Capture Apparatus."

— Michael Sheetz (@thesheetztweetz) May 11, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1392180508147191812

Beck: For this recovery "we've also introduced what the team calls ORCA – I think it's a terrible name, but the team loves it – Ocean Recovery and Capture Apparatus."

Beck: "This mission also has a bunch of reused components from the last reusable mission" which have been requalified for flight, a process Rocket Lab will continue to expand with future missions.

— Michael Sheetz (@thesheetztweetz) May 11, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1392180939191640065

Beck: "This mission also has a bunch of reused components from the last reusable mission" which have been requalified for flight, a process Rocket Lab will continue to expand with future missions.

Beck says Rocket Lab will conduct a third splashdown recovery mission before the end of the year, which will feature "a block upgrade" to Electron, including "an improved decelerator." pic.twitter.com/d9gG9uggXE

— Michael Sheetz (@thesheetztweetz) May 11, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1392181311578808321

Beck says Rocket Lab will conduct a third splashdown recovery mission before the end of the year, which will feature "a block upgrade" to Electron, including "an improved decelerator."

Beck, on his confidence in Rocket Lab's reusability progress:

"We are kind of more bullish on this than ever before. I mean, there is just nothing like getting a rocket back and putting it in the factory."

— Michael Sheetz (@thesheetztweetz) May 11, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1392181985980919816

Beck, on his confidence in Rocket Lab's reusability progress:

"We are kind of more bullish on this than ever before. I mean, there is just nothing like getting a rocket back and putting it in the factory."

Beck says the condition of the first Electron booster recovered last year "was remarkable," and they've introduced multiple upgrades to the booster for this second attempt, including thermal protection systems in high temperature areas.

— Michael Sheetz (@thesheetztweetz) May 11, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1392182551482150912

Beck says the condition of the first Electron booster recovered last year "was remarkable," and they've introduced multiple upgrades to the booster for this second attempt, including thermal protection systems in high temperature areas.

 

[aonestudio]

Red is reuse, the next reusable rocket is already coming down the production line. pic.twitter.com/azl5pJiZ3d

— Peter Beck (@Peter_J_Beck) May 14, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1393030769019211779/photo/1

 

[Flyaway]

View: https://youtu.be/Ir6l8dgbF9E

 

[Flyaway]

Company press release about the failure.

Rocket Lab Experiences Anomaly During Launch | Rocket Lab

*Auckland, New Zealand. May 16, 2021*: Following a successful lift-off, first stage burn, and stage separation, Rocket Lab experienced an anomaly during its 20th Electron mission ‘Running Out Of Toes.’

www.rocketlabusa.com

 

[Grey Havoc]

Rocket Lab investigates launch failure, begins inspecting recovered booster

Rocket Lab is diving into two big jobs, one of which is much more pleasant than the other.

www.space.com

Rocket Lab mission failure blamed on possible engine problem

Washington DC (UPI) May 17, 2021 - California-based launch company Rocket Lab has blamed a possible engine problem for the loss Saturday of its Electron rocket and commercial satellite payload.

www.spacedaily.com

 

[Flyaway]

pic.twitter.com/1GEZpM5rwm

— Peter Beck (@Peter_J_Beck) May 23, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/peter_j_beck/status/1396564456742658052

 

[Grey Havoc]

With all three Gunsmoke-J satellites on orbit, the Army is ready to test space-based targeting

While satellite imagery has traditionally been a product of the intelligence community, the development of relatively affordable yet highly capable small satellites that can operate in low Earth orbit has convinced military leaders that they can play a tactical role on the battlefield.

www.c4isrnet.com

 

[Flyaway]

Rocket Lab Completes Anomaly Review, Next Mission on the Pad in July | Rocket Lab

*Long Beach, California. July 19, 2021* – Leading launch and space systems company Rocket Lab today announced it has concluded an extensive review into the cause of the anomaly that resulted in the loss of its “Running Out Of Toes” mission launched on May 15, 2021. With the root cause of the...

www.rocketlabusa.com

 

[Flyaway]

Electron launches the Monolith satellite for the US Space Force STP:

View: https://youtu.be/AEJ41CDwYyM

Rocket Lab to Launch U.S. Space Force Mission from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand | Rocket Lab

*Rocket Lab to Launch U.S. Space Force Mission from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand*

www.rocketlabusa.com

 

[Grey Havoc]

Space Force launches small satellite to test new sensor possibilities

The Air Force Research Laboratory satellite was launched into orbit aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket taking off from New Zealand.

www.c4isrnet.com

Rocket Lab Successfully Carries a US Military Satellite Into Orbit - Slashdot

"Resuming launches after a mission failure two months ago, Rocket Lab successfully placed a small U.S. military research and development satellite into orbit Thursday following a fiery liftoff from New Zealand..." reports Spaceflight Now: Heading east from Mahia, the rocket's first stage burned...

science.slashdot.org

 

[Flyaway]

Rocket Lab's updated investor presentation says a “significant Neutron reveal” is “coming soon.”

I asked Beck for hints, who said "we’re so sick of people copying us" but added that Neutron should look like a rocket from 2050, not the 2020s.https://t.co/lys2mH9uwQ pic.twitter.com/BSkuo4TAxk

— Michael Sheetz (@thesheetztweetz) August 25, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1430541235991756811

Michael Sheetz @thesheetztweetz
Rocket Lab's updated investor presentation says a “significant Neutron reveal” is “coming soon.”

I asked Beck for hints, who said "we’re so sick of people copying us" but added that Neutron should look like a rocket from 2050, not the 2020s.

 

[Flyaway]

Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, SpaceX and ULA win $87.5 million in awards from the Space Force’s Space Systems Command for launch vehicle technology projects. pic.twitter.com/gCt97pAooQ

— Jeff Foust (@jeff_foust) September 24, 2021

 

[aonestudio]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-sVCWo_xpE

Best seat in the house. Team are fishing the stage now. pic.twitter.com/z9be6FnGWk

— Peter Beck (@Peter_J_Beck) November 18, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1461177397147942917

 

[aonestudio]

With the success of our recent recovery mission, we're eagerly looking forward to the next one: our first attempt at catching a returning booster mid-air with a helicopter. Launching first half of 2022. https://t.co/bG2Ip6gf2g pic.twitter.com/SAf9OGIpwt

— Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) November 23, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1463235961345634309

The TPS is very thin multi layer Aerogel graphite composite. If you look closely at the last flight you will see some of this material as stripes. https://t.co/LUSrgwJSSd

— Peter Beck (@Peter_J_Beck) November 23, 2021

View: https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1463258803437129728

 

[Michel Van]

I think Scott Manley is right in his March Video
seems that Rocket-lab is building a successor to Antares rocket of Northrop/Grumman
or better say the Ukraine build first stage with Russian engines with solid booster build by Orbital ATK.
it would make sense to they replace that rocket by US build rocket,
But Northrop/Grumman outsource that to Rocket lab is a Surprise, at first !
on second look this is best what they could do, because there specialised in Solid rocket motors (see OmegA)

I think that Electron will build just like Neutron out carbon fibre but covert thin multi layer Aerogel graphite composite.
that make it look like metal, also that use electric powert Rocket engine
probably power by gas turbine using propellants, what give more power as batteries packs

 

[Boxman]

The latest video from Rocket Lab (RKLB) introducing their Neutron Rocket, posted this morning (2-Dec-2021).

 

[Michel Van]

this will be hell of rocket also he mention reuse Second stage

i wonder is Peter Beck a bond fan ?

 

[Dilandu]

this will be hell of rocket also he mention reuse Second stage

i wonder is Peter Beck a bond fan ?

Actually, he may took inspiration from here)

 

[Flyaway]

Rocket Lab gives first look at plans for bigger, reusable Neutron rocket as it takes on SpaceX

Rocket Lab on Thursday unveiled more about the larger, reusable Neutron rocket it is developing.

www.cnbc.com

 

[Flyaway]

Scott Manley on Neutron:

View: https://youtu.be/GcZ19f-yqfs