Rocket Lab: Difference between revisions
there is absolutely no need to link Peter Beck four times, Rocket Lab Photon five times, Rocket Lab Neutron seven times, and Rocket Lab Electron *sixteen* times. That is serious WP:OVERLINKing Tag: Reverted |
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In addition to the Electron, Neutron, and HASTE launch vehicles, Rocket Lab manufactures and operates spacecraft and is a supplier of satellite components including [[Star tracker|star trackers]], [[Reaction wheel|reaction wheels]], [[Solar cell|solar cells and arrays]], [[Satellite radio|satellite radios]], separation systems, as well as flight and ground software.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab Makes its Defense Prime Debut with $0.5 Billion Contract to Design and Build Satellite Constellation for Space Development Agency |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-makes-its-defense-prime-debut-with-0-5-billion-contract-to-design-and-build-satellite-constellation-for-space-development-agency/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> |
In addition to the Electron, Neutron, and HASTE launch vehicles, Rocket Lab manufactures and operates spacecraft and is a supplier of satellite components including [[Star tracker|star trackers]], [[Reaction wheel|reaction wheels]], [[Solar cell|solar cells and arrays]], [[Satellite radio|satellite radios]], separation systems, as well as flight and ground software.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab Makes its Defense Prime Debut with $0.5 Billion Contract to Design and Build Satellite Constellation for Space Development Agency |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-makes-its-defense-prime-debut-with-0-5-billion-contract-to-design-and-build-satellite-constellation-for-space-development-agency/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> |
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The company was founded in [[New Zealand]] in 2006.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab USA Poised to Change the Space Industry |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-usa-poised-to-change-the-space-industry/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215115/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-usa-poised-to-change-the-space-industry/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By 2009,<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Ä€tea-1 |url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/atea-1.htm |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Gunter's Space Page |language=en |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806170700/https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/atea-1.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> the successful launch of Ātea-1<ref name=":10" /> made the organization the first [[Privately held company|private company]] in the [[Southern Hemisphere]] to reach [[space]].<ref name=":9" /> The company established [[headquarters]] in [[California]], US in 2013<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab Expands Footprint with New Long Beach Headquarters and Production Complex |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-expands-footprint-with-new-long-beach-headquarters-and-production-complex/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215110/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-expands-footprint-with-new-long-beach-headquarters-and-production-complex/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and developed the [[Expendable launch system|expendable]]<ref>{{Cite web |first=Mike |last=Wall |date=2022-11-04 |title=Rocket Lab launches Swedish satellite but fails to catch booster with helicopter |url=https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-launch-helicopter-catch-november-2022 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Space.com |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215107/https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-launch-helicopter-catch-november-2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> Electron rocket.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Electron |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/launch/electron/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en |archive-date=9 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209030525/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/launch/electron/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The first [[Rocket|launch]] of the [[rocket]] took place in May 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Completed Missions |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/completed-missions/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en |archive-date=26 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526005419/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/completed-missions/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2021, the company became a [[public company]], listed on the [[Nasdaq]] [[stock exchange]] through a [[Special-purpose acquisition company|SPAC]] merger.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab Completes Merger with Vector Acquisition Corporation to Become Publicly Traded End-to-End Space Company |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-completes-merger-with-vector-acquisition-corporation-to-become-publicly-traded-end-to-end-space-company/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215109/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-completes-merger-with-vector-acquisition-corporation-to-become-publicly-traded-end-to-end-space-company/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2022, after four years of development, the Electron booster attempted recovery by a helicopter.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=2022-05-03 |title=Rocket Maker Fails in 1st Bid to Catch, Recover Booster With Helicopter {{!}} Aerospace Tech Review |url=https://www.aerospacetechreview.com/rocket-maker-fails-in-1st-bid-to-catch-recover-booster-with-helicopter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215111/https://www.aerospacetechreview.com/rocket-maker-fails-in-1st-bid-to-catch-recover-booster-with-helicopter/ |archive-date=8 December 2022 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=www.aerospacetechreview.com |language=en-US}}</ref>In 2024, the company announced that a first stage booster that was recovered on an earlier launch will be reused on a future launch, marking the first time Electron would reuse the full first stage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-10 |title=Rocket Lab Returns Previously Flown Electron to Production Line in Preparation for First Reflight |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240410860946/en/Rocket-Lab-Returns-Previously-Flown-Electron-to-Production-Line-in-Preparation-for-First-Reflight |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=www.businesswire.com |language=en}}</ref>In August 2020 the company launched its first in-house designed and built satellite, Photon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2020-09-04 |title=Rocket Lab launches first Photon satellite |url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-launches-first-photon-satellite/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref> |
The company was founded in [[New Zealand]] in 2006.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab USA Poised to Change the Space Industry |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-usa-poised-to-change-the-space-industry/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215115/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-usa-poised-to-change-the-space-industry/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By 2009,<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Ä€tea-1 |url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/atea-1.htm |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Gunter's Space Page |language=en |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806170700/https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/atea-1.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> the successful launch of Ātea-1<ref name=":10" /> made the organization the first [[Privately held company|private company]] in the [[Southern Hemisphere]] to reach [[space]].<ref name=":9" /> The company established [[headquarters]] in [[California]], US in 2013<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab Expands Footprint with New Long Beach Headquarters and Production Complex |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-expands-footprint-with-new-long-beach-headquarters-and-production-complex/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215110/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-expands-footprint-with-new-long-beach-headquarters-and-production-complex/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and developed the [[Expendable launch system|expendable]]<ref>{{Cite web |first=Mike |last=Wall |date=2022-11-04 |title=Rocket Lab launches Swedish satellite but fails to catch booster with helicopter |url=https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-launch-helicopter-catch-november-2022 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Space.com |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215107/https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-launch-helicopter-catch-november-2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Rocket Lab Electron|Electron rocket]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Electron |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/launch/electron/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en |archive-date=9 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209030525/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/launch/electron/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The first [[Rocket|launch]] of the [[rocket]] took place in May 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Completed Missions |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/completed-missions/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en |archive-date=26 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526005419/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/completed-missions/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2021, the company became a [[public company]], listed on the [[Nasdaq]] [[stock exchange]] through a [[Special-purpose acquisition company|SPAC]] merger.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab Completes Merger with Vector Acquisition Corporation to Become Publicly Traded End-to-End Space Company |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-completes-merger-with-vector-acquisition-corporation-to-become-publicly-traded-end-to-end-space-company/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215109/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-completes-merger-with-vector-acquisition-corporation-to-become-publicly-traded-end-to-end-space-company/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2022, after four years of development, the [[Rocket Lab Electron|Electron booster]] attempted recovery by a helicopter.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=2022-05-03 |title=Rocket Maker Fails in 1st Bid to Catch, Recover Booster With Helicopter {{!}} Aerospace Tech Review |url=https://www.aerospacetechreview.com/rocket-maker-fails-in-1st-bid-to-catch-recover-booster-with-helicopter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215111/https://www.aerospacetechreview.com/rocket-maker-fails-in-1st-bid-to-catch-recover-booster-with-helicopter/ |archive-date=8 December 2022 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=www.aerospacetechreview.com |language=en-US}}</ref>In 2024, the company announced that a first stage booster that was recovered on an earlier launch will be reused on a future launch, marking the first time Electron would reuse the full first stage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-10 |title=Rocket Lab Returns Previously Flown Electron to Production Line in Preparation for First Reflight |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240410860946/en/Rocket-Lab-Returns-Previously-Flown-Electron-to-Production-Line-in-Preparation-for-First-Reflight |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=www.businesswire.com |language=en}}</ref>In August 2020 the company launched its first in-house designed and built satellite, Photon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2020-09-04 |title=Rocket Lab launches first Photon satellite |url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-launches-first-photon-satellite/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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The company also builds and operates satellites for the [[Space Development Agency]],<ref name="sda2023">{{cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-wins-515-million-contract-to-build-18-satellites-for-u-s-government-agency/|title=Rocket Lab wins $515 million contract to build 18 satellites for U.S. government agency|date=23 December 2023|access-date=23 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-supports-significant-milestone-for-darpa-and-space-development-agency-on-the-mandrake-2-mission/|title=Rocket Lab Supports Significant Milestone for DARPA and Space Development Agency|date=13 July 2022|access-date=17 October 2022|archive-date=17 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017223319/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-supports-significant-milestone-for-darpa-and-space-development-agency-on-the-mandrake-2-mission/|url-status=live}}</ref> a space-based missile defense program of the [[United States Space Force]] established by [[Michael D. Griffin]] (who later became a Rocket Lab board member) in his role as [[Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering]] during the Trump administration.<ref>{{cite web|last=Erwin|first=Sandra|url=https://spacenews.com/space-development-agency-a-huge-win-for-griffin-in-his-war-against-the-status-quo/|title=Space Development Agency a huge win for Griffin in his war against the status quo|date=21 April 2019|access-date=17 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/mike-griffin-joins-board-of-rocket-lab/|title=Mike Griffin joins board of Rocket Lab|last=Foust|first=Jeff|date=12 August 2018|access-date=17 October 2022}}</ref> The company's participation drew controversy in New Zealand,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-16 |title=Rocket Lab could be used to make war from space - Green Party |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/476771/rocket-lab-could-be-used-to-make-war-from-space-green-party |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215108/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/476771/rocket-lab-could-be-used-to-make-war-from-space-green-party |url-status=live }}</ref> where members of parliament noted the company is contributing to the "weaponization of space" and could be in violation of [[New Zealand nuclear-free zone|New Zealand's nuclear-free zone]] laws.<ref>{{cite web|last=Corlett|first=Eva|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/17/new-zealand-mp-says-rocket-lab-launches-could-betray-countrys-anti-nuclear-stance|title=New Zealand MP says Rocket Lab launches could betray country's anti-nuclear stance|website=[[TheGuardian.com]]|date=17 October 2022|access-date=17 October 2022|archive-date=17 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017041819/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/17/new-zealand-mp-says-rocket-lab-launches-could-betray-countrys-anti-nuclear-stance|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Union of Concerned Scientists]] warns SDA will escalate global tensions and called the project "fundamentally destabilizing".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/space-based-missile-defense-0|title=Space-based Missile Defense|publisher=Union of Concerned Scientists|date=30 August 2018|access-date=17 October 2022|archive-date=17 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017223317/https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/space-based-missile-defense-0|url-status=live}}</ref> |
The company also builds and operates satellites for the [[Space Development Agency]],<ref name="sda2023">{{cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-wins-515-million-contract-to-build-18-satellites-for-u-s-government-agency/|title=Rocket Lab wins $515 million contract to build 18 satellites for U.S. government agency|date=23 December 2023|access-date=23 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-supports-significant-milestone-for-darpa-and-space-development-agency-on-the-mandrake-2-mission/|title=Rocket Lab Supports Significant Milestone for DARPA and Space Development Agency|date=13 July 2022|access-date=17 October 2022|archive-date=17 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017223319/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-supports-significant-milestone-for-darpa-and-space-development-agency-on-the-mandrake-2-mission/|url-status=live}}</ref> a space-based missile defense program of the [[United States Space Force]] established by [[Michael D. Griffin]] (who later became a Rocket Lab board member) in his role as [[Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering]] during the Trump administration.<ref>{{cite web|last=Erwin|first=Sandra|url=https://spacenews.com/space-development-agency-a-huge-win-for-griffin-in-his-war-against-the-status-quo/|title=Space Development Agency a huge win for Griffin in his war against the status quo|date=21 April 2019|access-date=17 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/mike-griffin-joins-board-of-rocket-lab/|title=Mike Griffin joins board of Rocket Lab|last=Foust|first=Jeff|date=12 August 2018|access-date=17 October 2022}}</ref> The company's participation drew controversy in New Zealand,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-16 |title=Rocket Lab could be used to make war from space - Green Party |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/476771/rocket-lab-could-be-used-to-make-war-from-space-green-party |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215108/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/476771/rocket-lab-could-be-used-to-make-war-from-space-green-party |url-status=live }}</ref> where members of parliament noted the company is contributing to the "weaponization of space" and could be in violation of [[New Zealand nuclear-free zone|New Zealand's nuclear-free zone]] laws.<ref>{{cite web|last=Corlett|first=Eva|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/17/new-zealand-mp-says-rocket-lab-launches-could-betray-countrys-anti-nuclear-stance|title=New Zealand MP says Rocket Lab launches could betray country's anti-nuclear stance|website=[[TheGuardian.com]]|date=17 October 2022|access-date=17 October 2022|archive-date=17 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017041819/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/17/new-zealand-mp-says-rocket-lab-launches-could-betray-countrys-anti-nuclear-stance|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Union of Concerned Scientists]] warns SDA will escalate global tensions and called the project "fundamentally destabilizing".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/space-based-missile-defense-0|title=Space-based Missile Defense|publisher=Union of Concerned Scientists|date=30 August 2018|access-date=17 October 2022|archive-date=17 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017223317/https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/space-based-missile-defense-0|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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As of December 2023, the company had approximately 1,650 full time permanent employees globally.<ref>{{Cite web |title=XBRL Viewer |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1819994/000095017024022160/rklb-20231231.htm |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=www.sec.gov |language=en}}</ref> Approximately 700 of these employees are based in New Zealand with the remainder in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Post |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/350090428/start-ups-spun-out-rocket-lab-its-engineers |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=www.thepost.co.nz}}</ref> The acquisition of SolAero added 425 staff members in the [[United States]] in January 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bellan |first=Rebecca |date=January 18, 2022 |title=Rocket Lab acquires SolAero Holdings for $80M to boost space solar cell production |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/01/18/rocket-lab-acquires-solaero-holdings-for-80m-to-boost-space-solar-cell-production/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |access-date=11 March 2023 |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311220419/https://techcrunch.com/2022/01/18/rocket-lab-acquires-solaero-holdings-for-80m-to-boost-space-solar-cell-production/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Pullar-Strecker |first=Tom |date=December 14, 2021 |title=Most Rocket Lab staff set to be based outside NZ by early next year |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/127276549/most-rocket-lab-staff-set-to-be-based-outside-nz-by-early-next-year |access-date=2023-01-26 |archive-date=26 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126060541/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/127276549/most-rocket-lab-staff-set-to-be-based-outside-nz-by-early-next-year |url-status=live }}</ref> |
As of December 2023, the company had approximately 1,650 full time permanent employees globally.<ref>{{Cite web |title=XBRL Viewer |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1819994/000095017024022160/rklb-20231231.htm |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=www.sec.gov |language=en}}</ref> Approximately 700 of these employees are based in New Zealand with the remainder in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Post |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/350090428/start-ups-spun-out-rocket-lab-its-engineers |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=www.thepost.co.nz}}</ref> The acquisition of SolAero added 425 staff members in the [[United States]] in January 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bellan |first=Rebecca |date=January 18, 2022 |title=Rocket Lab acquires SolAero Holdings for $80M to boost space solar cell production |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/01/18/rocket-lab-acquires-solaero-holdings-for-80m-to-boost-space-solar-cell-production/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |access-date=11 March 2023 |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311220419/https://techcrunch.com/2022/01/18/rocket-lab-acquires-solaero-holdings-for-80m-to-boost-space-solar-cell-production/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Pullar-Strecker |first=Tom |date=December 14, 2021 |title=Most Rocket Lab staff set to be based outside NZ by early next year |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/127276549/most-rocket-lab-staff-set-to-be-based-outside-nz-by-early-next-year |access-date=2023-01-26 |archive-date=26 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126060541/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/127276549/most-rocket-lab-staff-set-to-be-based-outside-nz-by-early-next-year |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Two attempts have been made to recover an Electron booster by helicopter.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-11-04 |title=Rocket Lab Helicopter Was Unable to Catch Booster Before it Fell Into The Pacific |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-11-04/rocket-lab-helicopter-unable-to-snare-returning-booster-in-air |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104195017/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-11-04/rocket-lab-helicopter-unable-to-snare-returning-booster-in-air |archive-date=4 November 2022 |access-date=2022-12-08 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref> In addition, six attempts have been made at [[Splashdown|soft water recovery]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Launch Schedule – Spaceflight Now |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816161152/https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ |archive-date=16 August 2018 |access-date=2023-04-05 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab to Recover Electron Booster on Next Mission |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-to-recover-electron-booster-on-next-mission/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405100318/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-to-recover-electron-booster-on-next-mission/ |archive-date=5 April 2023 |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab to Recover Electron Rocket, Introduce Helicopter Operations During Next Launch |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-to-recover-electron-rocket-introduce-helicopter-operations-during-next-launch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405100320/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-to-recover-electron-rocket-introduce-helicopter-operations-during-next-launch/ |archive-date=5 April 2023 |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2023-03-24 |title=Rocket Lab launches BlackSky satellites |url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-launches-blacksky-satellites-2/ |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2023-07-13 |title=Rocket Lab takes another step towards reusability on next Electron launch |url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-takes-another-step-towards-reusability-on-next-electron-launch/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Caleb |title=Electron {{!}} We Love the Nightlife (Capella Acadia 1) |url=https://spacelaunchnow.me/launch/electron-we-love-the-nightlife-capella-acadia-1/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Space Launch Now |language=en}}</ref> As of 2022, the company is developing the bigger Neutron reusable unibody rocket;<ref name=":7" /> multiple spacecraft buses,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab Unveils Spacecraft Bus Lineup |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/new-blog-post-16/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> and [[Rocket engine|rocket engines]]: [[Rutherford (rocket engine)|Rutherford]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rutherford Engine Test Fire |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rutherford-engine-test-fire/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215109/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rutherford-engine-test-fire/ |archive-date=8 December 2022 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> [[Curie (rocket engine)|Curie]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Kick Stage: Responsible Orbital Deployment |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/the-kick-stage-responsible-orbital-deployment/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215113/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/the-kick-stage-responsible-orbital-deployment/ |archive-date=8 December 2022 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> [[Curie (rocket engine)|HyperCurie]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Etherington |first=Darrell |date=2020-05-13 |title=Rocket Lab tests new hyperCurie engine that will power its deep space delivery vehicle |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/05/13/rocketlab-tests-new-hypercurie-engine-that-will-power-its-deep-space-delivery-vehicle/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110034304/https://techcrunch.com/2020/05/13/rocketlab-tests-new-hypercurie-engine-that-will-power-its-deep-space-delivery-vehicle/ |archive-date=10 November 2022 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref> and [[Archimedes (rocket engine)|Archimedes]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gebhardt |first=Chris |date=2021-12-02 |title=Neutron switches to methane/oxygen, 1 Meganewton Archimedes engine revealed |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/12/neutron-update-dec-2021/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202185423/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/12/neutron-update-dec-2021/ |archive-date=2 December 2021 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |
Two attempts have been made to recover an [[Rocket Lab Electron|Electron booster]] by helicopter.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-11-04 |title=Rocket Lab Helicopter Was Unable to Catch Booster Before it Fell Into The Pacific |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-11-04/rocket-lab-helicopter-unable-to-snare-returning-booster-in-air |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104195017/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-11-04/rocket-lab-helicopter-unable-to-snare-returning-booster-in-air |archive-date=4 November 2022 |access-date=2022-12-08 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref> In addition, six attempts have been made at [[Splashdown|soft water recovery]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Launch Schedule – Spaceflight Now |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816161152/https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ |archive-date=16 August 2018 |access-date=2023-04-05 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab to Recover Electron Booster on Next Mission |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-to-recover-electron-booster-on-next-mission/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405100318/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-to-recover-electron-booster-on-next-mission/ |archive-date=5 April 2023 |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab to Recover Electron Rocket, Introduce Helicopter Operations During Next Launch |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-to-recover-electron-rocket-introduce-helicopter-operations-during-next-launch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405100320/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-to-recover-electron-rocket-introduce-helicopter-operations-during-next-launch/ |archive-date=5 April 2023 |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2023-03-24 |title=Rocket Lab launches BlackSky satellites |url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-launches-blacksky-satellites-2/ |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2023-07-13 |title=Rocket Lab takes another step towards reusability on next Electron launch |url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-takes-another-step-towards-reusability-on-next-electron-launch/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Caleb |title=Electron {{!}} We Love the Nightlife (Capella Acadia 1) |url=https://spacelaunchnow.me/launch/electron-we-love-the-nightlife-capella-acadia-1/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Space Launch Now |language=en}}</ref> As of 2022, the company is developing the bigger [[Rocket Lab Neutron|Neutron reusable unibody rocket]];<ref name=":7" /> multiple spacecraft buses,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab Unveils Spacecraft Bus Lineup |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/new-blog-post-16/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> and [[Rocket engine|rocket engines]]: [[Rutherford (rocket engine)|Rutherford]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rutherford Engine Test Fire |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rutherford-engine-test-fire/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215109/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rutherford-engine-test-fire/ |archive-date=8 December 2022 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> [[Curie (rocket engine)|Curie]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Kick Stage: Responsible Orbital Deployment |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/the-kick-stage-responsible-orbital-deployment/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215113/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/the-kick-stage-responsible-orbital-deployment/ |archive-date=8 December 2022 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> [[Curie (rocket engine)|HyperCurie]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Etherington |first=Darrell |date=2020-05-13 |title=Rocket Lab tests new hyperCurie engine that will power its deep space delivery vehicle |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/05/13/rocketlab-tests-new-hypercurie-engine-that-will-power-its-deep-space-delivery-vehicle/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110034304/https://techcrunch.com/2020/05/13/rocketlab-tests-new-hypercurie-engine-that-will-power-its-deep-space-delivery-vehicle/ |archive-date=10 November 2022 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref> and [[Archimedes (rocket engine)|Archimedes]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gebhardt |first=Chris |date=2021-12-02 |title=Neutron switches to methane/oxygen, 1 Meganewton Archimedes engine revealed |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/12/neutron-update-dec-2021/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202185423/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/12/neutron-update-dec-2021/ |archive-date=2 December 2021 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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== History == |
== History == |
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=== Moving to United States (2013–2020) === |
=== Moving to United States (2013–2020) === |
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[[File:Dr Dava Newman, NASA Deputy Administrator visit to New Zealand, July 11-18, 2016 (27619573814).jpg|thumb|Peter Beck and [[Dava Newman]] posing in front of Rocket Lab's sounding rockets|450x450px]] |
[[File:Dr Dava Newman, NASA Deputy Administrator visit to New Zealand, July 11-18, 2016 (27619573814).jpg|thumb|Peter Beck and [[Dava Newman]] posing in front of Rocket Lab's sounding rockets|450x450px]] |
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Around 2013, the company moved its registration from New Zealand to the United States, and opened headquarters in Huntington Beach, California<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-27 |title=Rocket Lab |url=https://www.callaghaninnovation.govt.nz/about-us/sir-paul-callaghan-100-report/rocket-lab/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Callaghan Innovation |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |last2= |last3=Email |last4=Facebook |date=2017-03-21 |title=Rocket Lab moves headquarters from Los Angeles to Huntington Beach |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rocket-lab-headquarters-20170321-story.html |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>. The move coincided with the company receiving funding from American sources, and was in part due to increased U.S. government involvement in the company<ref name=":11" />. The New Zealand company became a subsidiary of the American company.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ROCKET LAB LIMITED (1835428) |url=https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/1835428 |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=New Zealand Companies Office |archive-date=27 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027203729/https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/1835428 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2020, Rocket Lab moved its headquarters to [[Long Beach, California]].<ref name=nbr/> The move was motivated by the need to accommodate the company's growing workforce and to be closer to major suppliers and customers.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Samantha Masunaga |date=2017-03-21 |title=Rocket Lab moves headquarters from Los Angeles to Huntington Beach |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rocket-lab-headquarters-20170321-story.html |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=29 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329020557/https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rocket-lab-headquarters-20170321-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The new facility includes a state-of-the-art production facility for manufacturing the company's Electron launch vehicle,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab Expands Footprint with New Long Beach Headquarters and Production Complex |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-expands-footprint-with-new-long-beach-headquarters-and-production-complex/ |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215110/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-expands-footprint-with-new-long-beach-headquarters-and-production-complex/ |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as administrative offices and other support facilities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Etherington |first=Darrell |date=2020-01-14 |title=Rocket Lab to open a new combined HQ, mission control and production facility in Long Beach |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/01/14/rocket-lab-to-open-a-new-combined-hq-mission-control-and-production-facility-in-long-beach/ |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US |archive-date=29 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129202951/https://techcrunch.com/2020/01/14/rocket-lab-to-open-a-new-combined-hq-mission-control-and-production-facility-in-long-beach/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The move to Long Beach further solidifies Rocket Lab's position as a key player in the rapidly growing commercial space industry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Long Beach pushes to become hub for booming space industry - News |url=https://lbpost.com/news/business/long-beach-pushes-to-become-hub-for-booming-space-industry |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=lbpost.com |date=23 February 2020 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405101948/https://lbpost.com/news/business/long-beach-pushes-to-become-hub-for-booming-space-industry |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Around 2013, the company moved its registration from New Zealand to the United States, and opened headquarters in Huntington Beach, California<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-27 |title=Rocket Lab |url=https://www.callaghaninnovation.govt.nz/about-us/sir-paul-callaghan-100-report/rocket-lab/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Callaghan Innovation |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |last2= |last3=Email |last4=Facebook |date=2017-03-21 |title=Rocket Lab moves headquarters from Los Angeles to Huntington Beach |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rocket-lab-headquarters-20170321-story.html |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>. The move coincided with the company receiving funding from American sources, and was in part due to increased U.S. government involvement in the company<ref name=":11" />. The New Zealand company became a subsidiary of the American company.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ROCKET LAB LIMITED (1835428) |url=https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/1835428 |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=New Zealand Companies Office |archive-date=27 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027203729/https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/1835428 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2020, Rocket Lab moved its headquarters to [[Long Beach, California]].<ref name=nbr/> The move was motivated by the need to accommodate the company's growing workforce and to be closer to major suppliers and customers.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Samantha Masunaga |date=2017-03-21 |title=Rocket Lab moves headquarters from Los Angeles to Huntington Beach |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rocket-lab-headquarters-20170321-story.html |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=29 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329020557/https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rocket-lab-headquarters-20170321-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The new facility includes a state-of-the-art production facility for manufacturing the company's [[Rocket Lab Electron|Electron launch vehicle]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab Expands Footprint with New Long Beach Headquarters and Production Complex |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-expands-footprint-with-new-long-beach-headquarters-and-production-complex/ |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215110/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-expands-footprint-with-new-long-beach-headquarters-and-production-complex/ |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as administrative offices and other support facilities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Etherington |first=Darrell |date=2020-01-14 |title=Rocket Lab to open a new combined HQ, mission control and production facility in Long Beach |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/01/14/rocket-lab-to-open-a-new-combined-hq-mission-control-and-production-facility-in-long-beach/ |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US |archive-date=29 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129202951/https://techcrunch.com/2020/01/14/rocket-lab-to-open-a-new-combined-hq-mission-control-and-production-facility-in-long-beach/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The move to Long Beach further solidifies Rocket Lab's position as a key player in the rapidly growing commercial space industry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Long Beach pushes to become hub for booming space industry - News |url=https://lbpost.com/news/business/long-beach-pushes-to-become-hub-for-booming-space-industry |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=lbpost.com |date=23 February 2020 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405101948/https://lbpost.com/news/business/long-beach-pushes-to-become-hub-for-booming-space-industry |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In 2013, additional funding was obtained from [[Khosla Ventures]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.khoslaventures.com/portfolio/rocket-lab|title=Rocket Lab|publisher=Khosla Ventures|access-date=14 May 2015|archive-date=18 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518083109/http://www.khoslaventures.com/portfolio/rocket-lab|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Callaghan Innovation]] (a [[Crown entity]] of New Zealand)<ref name=":11" />. [[Bessemer Venture Partners]] invested in 2014<ref name="pa20140730">{{cite news|url=http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/07/30/rocket-lab-funding-sources/|title=A Look at Rocket Lab Funding Sources|publisher=Parabolic Arc|last=Messier|first=Doug|date=30 July 2014|access-date=31 July 2014|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521172157/http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/07/30/rocket-lab-funding-sources/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="bessemer">{{cite web|url=https://www.bvp.com/portfolio/rocket-lab|title=Rocket Lab|publisher=Bessemer Venture Partners|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=22 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322203801/https://www.bvp.com/portfolio/rocket-lab|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Lockheed Martin]] became a strategic investor in 2015.<ref name="nbr20150303">{{cite news|url=https://www.nbr.co.nz/rocket-man|title=Lockheed Martin invests in Auckland's Rocket Labs|publisher=National Business Review|first=Chris|last=Keall|date=3 March 2015|access-date=23 November 2018|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521172158/https://www.nbr.co.nz/rocket-man|url-status=live}}</ref> Rocket Lab announced in March 2017 that it had raised an additional US$75 million in a [[Venture round|Series D equity round]] led by Data Collective with participation by Promus Ventures and several previous investors.<ref name="spnews20170321">{{cite news|url=http://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-raises-75-million-to-scale-up-launch-vehicle-production/|title=Rocket Lab raises US$75 million to scale up launch vehicle production|publisher=SpaceNews|first=Jeff|last=Foust|date=21 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=8 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508154617/https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-raises-75-million-to-scale-up-launch-vehicle-production/|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2017, the investments of [[Callaghan Innovation]] was reported to total NZ$15 million.<ref name="nbr">{{cite news|url=https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/10-things-about-rocket-lab-ck-203485|title=10 things about Rocket Lab|publisher=National Business Review|date=27 May 2017|access-date=25 November 2019|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521172156/https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/10-things-about-rocket-lab-ck-203485|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2018, the company reported raising a US$150 million [[Venture round|Series E round]] led by [[Future Fund]].<ref name=20181115yahoo>{{cite news|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rocket-lab-reports-150m-fresh-002441921.html|title=Rocket Lab reports US$150 million in fresh funding, cementing space unicorn status|publisher=GeekWire|via=Yahoo! Finance|first=Alan|last=Boyle|date=15 November 2018|access-date=16 November 2018|archive-date=16 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116012446/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rocket-lab-reports-150m-fresh-002441921.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The first [[NASA]] mission, launched in 2018, was valued by the space agency at US$6.9 million (with launch services, etc., included).<ref name=20181206delmarvanow-rocket>{{cite news|url=https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/virginia/2018/12/06/rocket-lab-construction-yet-start-wallops/2213593002/|title=Rocket Lab to begin launching for NASA; construction yet to start at Wallops|publisher=DelmarvaNOW.com|first=Hayley|last=Harding|date=6 December 2018|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=5 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305022534/https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/virginia/2018/12/06/rocket-lab-construction-yet-start-wallops/2213593002/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
In 2013, additional funding was obtained from [[Khosla Ventures]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.khoslaventures.com/portfolio/rocket-lab|title=Rocket Lab|publisher=Khosla Ventures|access-date=14 May 2015|archive-date=18 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518083109/http://www.khoslaventures.com/portfolio/rocket-lab|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Callaghan Innovation]] (a [[Crown entity]] of New Zealand)<ref name=":11" />. [[Bessemer Venture Partners]] invested in 2014<ref name="pa20140730">{{cite news|url=http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/07/30/rocket-lab-funding-sources/|title=A Look at Rocket Lab Funding Sources|publisher=Parabolic Arc|last=Messier|first=Doug|date=30 July 2014|access-date=31 July 2014|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521172157/http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/07/30/rocket-lab-funding-sources/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="bessemer">{{cite web|url=https://www.bvp.com/portfolio/rocket-lab|title=Rocket Lab|publisher=Bessemer Venture Partners|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=22 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322203801/https://www.bvp.com/portfolio/rocket-lab|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Lockheed Martin]] became a strategic investor in 2015.<ref name="nbr20150303">{{cite news|url=https://www.nbr.co.nz/rocket-man|title=Lockheed Martin invests in Auckland's Rocket Labs|publisher=National Business Review|first=Chris|last=Keall|date=3 March 2015|access-date=23 November 2018|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521172158/https://www.nbr.co.nz/rocket-man|url-status=live}}</ref> Rocket Lab announced in March 2017 that it had raised an additional US$75 million in a [[Venture round|Series D equity round]] led by Data Collective with participation by Promus Ventures and several previous investors.<ref name="spnews20170321">{{cite news|url=http://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-raises-75-million-to-scale-up-launch-vehicle-production/|title=Rocket Lab raises US$75 million to scale up launch vehicle production|publisher=SpaceNews|first=Jeff|last=Foust|date=21 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=8 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508154617/https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-raises-75-million-to-scale-up-launch-vehicle-production/|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2017, the investments of [[Callaghan Innovation]] was reported to total NZ$15 million.<ref name="nbr">{{cite news|url=https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/10-things-about-rocket-lab-ck-203485|title=10 things about Rocket Lab|publisher=National Business Review|date=27 May 2017|access-date=25 November 2019|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521172156/https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/10-things-about-rocket-lab-ck-203485|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2018, the company reported raising a US$150 million [[Venture round|Series E round]] led by [[Future Fund]].<ref name=20181115yahoo>{{cite news|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rocket-lab-reports-150m-fresh-002441921.html|title=Rocket Lab reports US$150 million in fresh funding, cementing space unicorn status|publisher=GeekWire|via=Yahoo! Finance|first=Alan|last=Boyle|date=15 November 2018|access-date=16 November 2018|archive-date=16 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116012446/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rocket-lab-reports-150m-fresh-002441921.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The first [[NASA]] mission, launched in 2018, was valued by the space agency at US$6.9 million (with launch services, etc., included).<ref name=20181206delmarvanow-rocket>{{cite news|url=https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/virginia/2018/12/06/rocket-lab-construction-yet-start-wallops/2213593002/|title=Rocket Lab to begin launching for NASA; construction yet to start at Wallops|publisher=DelmarvaNOW.com|first=Hayley|last=Harding|date=6 December 2018|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=5 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305022534/https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/virginia/2018/12/06/rocket-lab-construction-yet-start-wallops/2213593002/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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As of August 2021, the company intended to build a new factory in the United States to build the rockets as well as new launch infrastructure for Neutron at the [[Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport]] in [[Wallops Island]], Virginia, United States.<ref name=20200316spacenews/><ref name="goingpublic"/> In October 2021, the company acquired Advanced Solutions, Inc (ASI), a [[Colorado]]-based spacecraft flight software company.<ref name="20220202asi">{{cite news|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220202005934/en/Rocket-Lab-to-Expand-Colorado-Footprint-with-New-Space-Systems-Complex|title=Rocket Lab to Expand Colorado Footprint with New Space Systems Complex|access-date=4 February 2022|archive-date=2 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202220647/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220202005934/en/Rocket-Lab-to-Expand-Colorado-Footprint-with-New-Space-Systems-Complex|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2021, the company acquired Planetary Systems Corporation (PSC), a manufacturer of [[satellite dispenser|satellite separation systems]] for $81.4 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-to-acquire-planetary-systems-corp/|title = Rocket Lab to acquire Planetary Systems Corp|date = 16 November 2021|access-date = 8 February 2022|archive-date = 8 May 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220508154618/https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-to-acquire-planetary-systems-corp/|url-status = live}}</ref> In January 2022, the company acquired SolAero, a supplier of space solar power products.<ref name="20220127solaero">{{cite news|url=https://news.satnews.com/2022/01/18/rocket-lab-completes-their-acquisition-of-solaero-holdings/|title=Rocket Lab Completes Their Acquisition Of SolAero Holdings|access-date=27 January 2022|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127155558/https://news.satnews.com/2022/01/18/rocket-lab-completes-their-acquisition-of-solaero-holdings/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
As of August 2021, the company intended to build a new factory in the United States to build the rockets as well as new launch infrastructure for Neutron at the [[Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport]] in [[Wallops Island]], Virginia, United States.<ref name=20200316spacenews/><ref name="goingpublic"/> In October 2021, the company acquired Advanced Solutions, Inc (ASI), a [[Colorado]]-based spacecraft flight software company.<ref name="20220202asi">{{cite news|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220202005934/en/Rocket-Lab-to-Expand-Colorado-Footprint-with-New-Space-Systems-Complex|title=Rocket Lab to Expand Colorado Footprint with New Space Systems Complex|access-date=4 February 2022|archive-date=2 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202220647/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220202005934/en/Rocket-Lab-to-Expand-Colorado-Footprint-with-New-Space-Systems-Complex|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2021, the company acquired Planetary Systems Corporation (PSC), a manufacturer of [[satellite dispenser|satellite separation systems]] for $81.4 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-to-acquire-planetary-systems-corp/|title = Rocket Lab to acquire Planetary Systems Corp|date = 16 November 2021|access-date = 8 February 2022|archive-date = 8 May 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220508154618/https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-to-acquire-planetary-systems-corp/|url-status = live}}</ref> In January 2022, the company acquired SolAero, a supplier of space solar power products.<ref name="20220127solaero">{{cite news|url=https://news.satnews.com/2022/01/18/rocket-lab-completes-their-acquisition-of-solaero-holdings/|title=Rocket Lab Completes Their Acquisition Of SolAero Holdings|access-date=27 January 2022|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127155558/https://news.satnews.com/2022/01/18/rocket-lab-completes-their-acquisition-of-solaero-holdings/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 3 May 2022, in the "There And Back Again" mission, the company launched its Electron rocket from New Zealand, and attempted recover it for the first time<ref>{{Cite web |title=There And Back Again |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/missions-launched/there-and-back-again/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref>. It was able to capture the falling [[Booster (rocketry)|rocket booster]] in mid air, a historic first.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Korn |first=Jennifer |title=Rocket Lab says it just used a helicopter to catch a rocket booster as it plummeted back to Earth |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/02/tech/rocket-lab-helicopter-booster/index.html |access-date=2022-05-03 |website=CNN |date=2 May 2022 |archive-date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503000647/https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/02/tech/rocket-lab-helicopter-booster/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Grush |first=Loren |date=2022-05-02 |title=Rocket Lab will try to catch a falling rocket with a helicopter today |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/5/2/23032354/rocket-lab-helicopter-catch-electron-reuse |access-date=2022-05-03 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503000723/https://www.theverge.com/2022/5/2/23032354/rocket-lab-helicopter-catch-electron-reuse |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author1=Mike Wall |date=2022-05-02 |title=Epic catch! Rocket Lab snags falling booster with helicopter after 34-satellite launch |url=https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-helicopter-booster-catch-satellite-launch |access-date=2022-05-03 |website=Space.com |language=en |archive-date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503000723/https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-helicopter-booster-catch-satellite-launch |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/3/new-zealand-rocket-lab-helicopter-catches-then-drops-rocket-booster|date=May 3, 2022|title=Rocket Lab helicopter catches rocket booster, then drops it|work=Aljazeera|access-date=23 May 2022|archive-date=23 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523201702/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/3/new-zealand-rocket-lab-helicopter-catches-then-drops-rocket-booster|url-status=live}}</ref> Beck later said that the booster was hanging improperly, so it was allowed to parachute into the water where it was pulled out by a ship.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chang |first1=Kenneth |title=Catch and Release: Rocket Lab Grabs Booster Falling From Space With a Helicopter |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/02/science/rocket-lab-launch-helicopter.html |access-date=May 5, 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=May 3, 2022 |archive-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505161349/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/02/science/rocket-lab-launch-helicopter.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
On 3 May 2022, in the "There And Back Again" mission, the company launched its [[Rocket Lab Electron|Electron]] rocket from New Zealand, and attempted recover it for the first time<ref>{{Cite web |title=There And Back Again |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/missions-launched/there-and-back-again/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref>. It was able to capture the falling [[Booster (rocketry)|rocket booster]] in mid air, a historic first.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Korn |first=Jennifer |title=Rocket Lab says it just used a helicopter to catch a rocket booster as it plummeted back to Earth |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/02/tech/rocket-lab-helicopter-booster/index.html |access-date=2022-05-03 |website=CNN |date=2 May 2022 |archive-date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503000647/https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/02/tech/rocket-lab-helicopter-booster/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Grush |first=Loren |date=2022-05-02 |title=Rocket Lab will try to catch a falling rocket with a helicopter today |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/5/2/23032354/rocket-lab-helicopter-catch-electron-reuse |access-date=2022-05-03 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503000723/https://www.theverge.com/2022/5/2/23032354/rocket-lab-helicopter-catch-electron-reuse |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author1=Mike Wall |date=2022-05-02 |title=Epic catch! Rocket Lab snags falling booster with helicopter after 34-satellite launch |url=https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-helicopter-booster-catch-satellite-launch |access-date=2022-05-03 |website=Space.com |language=en |archive-date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503000723/https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-helicopter-booster-catch-satellite-launch |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/3/new-zealand-rocket-lab-helicopter-catches-then-drops-rocket-booster|date=May 3, 2022|title=Rocket Lab helicopter catches rocket booster, then drops it|work=Aljazeera|access-date=23 May 2022|archive-date=23 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523201702/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/3/new-zealand-rocket-lab-helicopter-catches-then-drops-rocket-booster|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Peter Beck|Beck]] later said that the booster was hanging improperly, so it was allowed to parachute into the water where it was pulled out by a ship.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chang |first1=Kenneth |title=Catch and Release: Rocket Lab Grabs Booster Falling From Space With a Helicopter |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/02/science/rocket-lab-launch-helicopter.html |access-date=May 5, 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=May 3, 2022 |archive-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505161349/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/02/science/rocket-lab-launch-helicopter.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In August 2022, the company revealed plans to become the first private company to reach Venus.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2022-08-25 |title=Rocket Lab Seeks to Answer 'Are We Alone?' by Launching First Private Mission to Venus |url=https://gizmodo.com/rocket-lab-mission-to-venus-clouds-life-1849430459 |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=Gizmodo |language=en-us |archive-date=25 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825184151/https://gizmodo.com/rocket-lab-mission-to-venus-clouds-life-1849430459 |url-status=live }}</ref> The company is building a small probe, called the [[Venus Life Finder]] (VLF),<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Whittington |first=Mark R. |date=2022-09-11 |title=Rocket Lab to conduct first private mission to Venus |url=https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/3636322-rocket-lab-to-conduct-first-private-mission-to-venus/ |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=The Hill |language=en-US |archive-date=13 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913230234/https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/3636322-rocket-lab-to-conduct-first-private-mission-to-venus/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which is designed plunge through Venus's upper atmosphere for roughly five minutes between {{convert|29|mi|km|abbr=on}} and {{convert|37|mi|km|abbr=on}} above the planets' surface, searching for organic compounds.<ref name=":2" /> As of March 2023, the target launch date aboard the Electron rocket is January 2025 with arrival scheduled for June 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://venuscloudlife.com/small-mission/ |title=Rocket Lab Probe |work=Venus Cloud Life |publisher=[[MIT]] |date=7 March 2023 |access-date=10 April 2023 |archive-date=10 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410212002/https://venuscloudlife.com/small-mission/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
In August 2022, the company revealed plans to become the first private company to reach Venus.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2022-08-25 |title=Rocket Lab Seeks to Answer 'Are We Alone?' by Launching First Private Mission to Venus |url=https://gizmodo.com/rocket-lab-mission-to-venus-clouds-life-1849430459 |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=Gizmodo |language=en-us |archive-date=25 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825184151/https://gizmodo.com/rocket-lab-mission-to-venus-clouds-life-1849430459 |url-status=live }}</ref> The company is building a small probe, called the [[Venus Life Finder]] (VLF),<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Whittington |first=Mark R. |date=2022-09-11 |title=Rocket Lab to conduct first private mission to Venus |url=https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/3636322-rocket-lab-to-conduct-first-private-mission-to-venus/ |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=The Hill |language=en-US |archive-date=13 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913230234/https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/3636322-rocket-lab-to-conduct-first-private-mission-to-venus/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which is designed plunge through Venus's upper atmosphere for roughly five minutes between {{convert|29|mi|km|abbr=on}} and {{convert|37|mi|km|abbr=on}} above the planets' surface, searching for organic compounds.<ref name=":2" /> As of March 2023, the target launch date aboard the Electron rocket is January 2025 with arrival scheduled for June 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://venuscloudlife.com/small-mission/ |title=Rocket Lab Probe |work=Venus Cloud Life |publisher=[[MIT]] |date=7 March 2023 |access-date=10 April 2023 |archive-date=10 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410212002/https://venuscloudlife.com/small-mission/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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== Hardware == |
== Hardware == |
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=== Ātea sounding rocket === |
=== Ātea sounding rocket === |
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The first and only launch of the ''Ātea'' ([[Māori language|Māori]] for "space") sub-orbital sounding rocket occurred in late 2009.<ref name=stuff3108525>{{cite news |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3108525/NZs-first-space-rocket-launches/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130223072913/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3108525/NZs-first-space-rocket-launches/|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 February 2013|title=NZ's first space rocket launches|date=30 November 2009|last=Cooper|first=Tracy|publisher=Waikato Times|access-date=8 April 2015}}</ref> The {{cvt|6|m}} long rocket weighing approximately {{cvt|60|kg}} was designed to carry a {{cvt|2|kg}} payload to an altitude of around {{cvt|120|km}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rocketlab.co.nz/atea-1.html|title=Ātea-1 technical specifications |publisher=Rocket Lab|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223062717/http://www.rocketlab.co.nz/atea-1.html|archive-date=23 February 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was intended to carry scientific payloads or possibly personal items.<ref name="nzherald">{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10457773|title=Rocket project gears for take off|date=15 August 2007|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|access-date=17 November 2009|archive-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021200222/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10457773|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="spacefellowshipGoldsmith">{{cite news|url=https://spacefellowship.com/news/art15837/rocket-lab-primed-to-launch-new-zealand-s-first-rocket-into-space.html|title=Rocket lab primed to launch New Zealand's first rocket into space|publisher=Space Fellowship|last=Goldsmith|first=Rob|date=16 November 2009|access-date=17 November 2009|archive-date=5 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105093442/http://spacefellowship.com/news/art15837/rocket-lab-primed-to-launch-new-zealand-s-first-rocket-into-space.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=20170629bloomberg-at>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-06-29/at-18-he-strapped-a-rocket-engine-to-his-bike-now-he-s-taking-on-spacex|title=At 18, He Strapped a Rocket Engine to His Bike. Now He's Taking on SpaceX|publisher=Bloomberg Business|last=Vance|first=Ashlee|author-link=Ashlee Vance|date=29 June 2017|access-date=19 November 2018|archive-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119062227/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-06-29/at-18-he-strapped-a-rocket-engine-to-his-bike-now-he-s-taking-on-spacex|url-status=live}}</ref> Originally, a project for ''Ātea-2'' was developed<ref name=":17" />. However, it never launched and was eventually cancelled in favor of working on the Electron.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ātea-2 |url=http://www.rocketlab.co.nz/atea-2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823081403/http://www.rocketlab.co.nz/atea-2.html |archive-date=23 August 2010 |access-date=23 August 2010 |publisher=Rocket Lab}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ä€tea-1 |url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/atea-1.htm |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Gunter's Space Page |language=en |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806170700/https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/atea-1.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
The first and only launch of the ''Ātea'' ([[Māori language|Māori]] for "space") sub-orbital sounding rocket occurred in late 2009.<ref name=stuff3108525>{{cite news |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3108525/NZs-first-space-rocket-launches/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130223072913/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3108525/NZs-first-space-rocket-launches/|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 February 2013|title=NZ's first space rocket launches|date=30 November 2009|last=Cooper|first=Tracy|publisher=Waikato Times|access-date=8 April 2015}}</ref> The {{cvt|6|m}} long rocket weighing approximately {{cvt|60|kg}} was designed to carry a {{cvt|2|kg}} payload to an altitude of around {{cvt|120|km}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rocketlab.co.nz/atea-1.html|title=Ātea-1 technical specifications |publisher=Rocket Lab|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223062717/http://www.rocketlab.co.nz/atea-1.html|archive-date=23 February 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was intended to carry scientific payloads or possibly personal items.<ref name="nzherald">{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10457773|title=Rocket project gears for take off|date=15 August 2007|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|access-date=17 November 2009|archive-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021200222/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10457773|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="spacefellowshipGoldsmith">{{cite news|url=https://spacefellowship.com/news/art15837/rocket-lab-primed-to-launch-new-zealand-s-first-rocket-into-space.html|title=Rocket lab primed to launch New Zealand's first rocket into space|publisher=Space Fellowship|last=Goldsmith|first=Rob|date=16 November 2009|access-date=17 November 2009|archive-date=5 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105093442/http://spacefellowship.com/news/art15837/rocket-lab-primed-to-launch-new-zealand-s-first-rocket-into-space.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=20170629bloomberg-at>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-06-29/at-18-he-strapped-a-rocket-engine-to-his-bike-now-he-s-taking-on-spacex|title=At 18, He Strapped a Rocket Engine to His Bike. Now He's Taking on SpaceX|publisher=Bloomberg Business|last=Vance|first=Ashlee|author-link=Ashlee Vance|date=29 June 2017|access-date=19 November 2018|archive-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119062227/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-06-29/at-18-he-strapped-a-rocket-engine-to-his-bike-now-he-s-taking-on-spacex|url-status=live}}</ref> Originally, a project for ''Ātea-2'' was developed<ref name=":17" />. However, it never launched and was eventually cancelled in favor of working on the [[Rocket Lab Electron|Electron]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ātea-2 |url=http://www.rocketlab.co.nz/atea-2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823081403/http://www.rocketlab.co.nz/atea-2.html |archive-date=23 August 2010 |access-date=23 August 2010 |publisher=Rocket Lab}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ä€tea-1 |url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/atea-1.htm |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Gunter's Space Page |language=en |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806170700/https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/atea-1.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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''Ātea-1'', named ''Manu Karere'' or ''Bird Messenger'' by the local [[Māori people|Māori]] [[iwi]],<ref name="satnews20091202">{{cite news|url=http://www.satnews.com/story.php?number=2117300451|title=Rocket Lab's Atea-1 New Zealand's First Rocket Takes A Dive|publisher=Satnews|date=2 December 2009|access-date=29 June 2019|archive-date=31 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731003733/http://www.satnews.com/story.php?number=2117300451|url-status=live}}</ref> was successfully launched from [[Mercury Islands|Great Mercury Island]] near the [[Coromandel Peninsula]] on 30 November 2009 at 01:23 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]] (14:23 local time). Fueling problems delayed the scheduled 20:10 UTC (07:10 local time) liftoff to the actual time.<ref name="NZ_Herald_10612593">{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10612593|title=NZ's first space launch saved by $6 replacement part|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=30 November 2009|access-date=11 September 2011|archive-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021200210/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10612593|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nbr20091203">{{cite news|url=https://www.nbr.co.nz/opinion/coromandel-we-have-problem-hunt-missing-rocket|title=Coromandel, we have a problem: hunt on for missing rocket|publisher=National Business Review|first=Chris|last=Keall|date=3 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329194148/https://www.nbr.co.nz/opinion/coromandel-we-have-problem-hunt-missing-rocket|archive-date=29 March 2016}}</ref> The rocket was tracked by [[Global Positioning System|GPS]] uplink to the [[Inmarsat|Inmarsat-B]] satellite constellation<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |title=Satnews Publishers: Daily Satellite News |url=http://www.satnews.com/story.php?number=2117300451 |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=www.satnews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gebhardt |first=Chris |date=2017-05-25 |title=Rocket Lab's Electron conducts inaugural flight from New Zealand |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/05/rocket-labs-electron-inaugural-flight-new-zealand/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US}}</ref>. After the flight, Ātea-1 [[Splashdown|splashed down]] approximately {{cvt|50|km}} [[downrange]].<ref name="nbr20091203"/><ref name="itwire20091201">{{cite news|url=https://www.itwire.com/space/new-zealand-company-heads-to-space-with-first-launch.html|title=New Zealand company heads to space with first launch|publisher=IT Wire|date=1 December 2009|access-date=29 June 2019|archive-date=30 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630060416/https://www.itwire.com/space/new-zealand-company-heads-to-space-with-first-launch.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[payload]] had no [[Communication|telemetry downlink]], but had [[instrumentation]] including the launch vehicle's [[Telecommunications link|uplink]] to [[Inmarsat]]<ref name=":18" />. The [[payload]] was not required to be recovered as it was only a dart and nothing of importance or value<ref name=":17" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ä€tea-1 |url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/atea-1.htm |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Gunter's Space Page |language=en}}</ref>. The company advised that should it be encountered by vessels at sea, the payload should not be handled as it was "[[Potentially hazardous object|potentially hazardous]]" and contained [[Instrumentation|delicate instruments]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-12-01 |title=Boaties urged to look out for rocket payload |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/boaties-urged-look-out-rocket-payload |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Otago Daily Times Online News |language=en}}</ref>. However, performance characteristics were completely determined by the boost stage, which did have [[Telecommunications link|downlink telemetry]] and was recovered<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stuff |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3112652/Atea-1-rocket-booster-found |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}}</ref>. This allowed Rocket Lab to place the entire team working on the Electron.<ref name="Atea" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/atea-1.htm|title=Ātea-1|publisher=Gunter's Space Page|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806170700/https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/atea-1.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> |
''Ātea-1'', named ''Manu Karere'' or ''Bird Messenger'' by the local [[Māori people|Māori]] [[iwi]],<ref name="satnews20091202">{{cite news|url=http://www.satnews.com/story.php?number=2117300451|title=Rocket Lab's Atea-1 New Zealand's First Rocket Takes A Dive|publisher=Satnews|date=2 December 2009|access-date=29 June 2019|archive-date=31 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731003733/http://www.satnews.com/story.php?number=2117300451|url-status=live}}</ref> was successfully launched from [[Mercury Islands|Great Mercury Island]] near the [[Coromandel Peninsula]] on 30 November 2009 at 01:23 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]] (14:23 local time). Fueling problems delayed the scheduled 20:10 UTC (07:10 local time) liftoff to the actual time.<ref name="NZ_Herald_10612593">{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10612593|title=NZ's first space launch saved by $6 replacement part|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=30 November 2009|access-date=11 September 2011|archive-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021200210/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10612593|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nbr20091203">{{cite news|url=https://www.nbr.co.nz/opinion/coromandel-we-have-problem-hunt-missing-rocket|title=Coromandel, we have a problem: hunt on for missing rocket|publisher=National Business Review|first=Chris|last=Keall|date=3 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329194148/https://www.nbr.co.nz/opinion/coromandel-we-have-problem-hunt-missing-rocket|archive-date=29 March 2016}}</ref> The rocket was tracked by [[Global Positioning System|GPS]] uplink to the [[Inmarsat|Inmarsat-B]] satellite constellation<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |title=Satnews Publishers: Daily Satellite News |url=http://www.satnews.com/story.php?number=2117300451 |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=www.satnews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gebhardt |first=Chris |date=2017-05-25 |title=Rocket Lab's Electron conducts inaugural flight from New Zealand |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/05/rocket-labs-electron-inaugural-flight-new-zealand/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US}}</ref>. After the flight, Ātea-1 [[Splashdown|splashed down]] approximately {{cvt|50|km}} [[downrange]].<ref name="nbr20091203"/><ref name="itwire20091201">{{cite news|url=https://www.itwire.com/space/new-zealand-company-heads-to-space-with-first-launch.html|title=New Zealand company heads to space with first launch|publisher=IT Wire|date=1 December 2009|access-date=29 June 2019|archive-date=30 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630060416/https://www.itwire.com/space/new-zealand-company-heads-to-space-with-first-launch.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[payload]] had no [[Communication|telemetry downlink]], but had [[instrumentation]] including the launch vehicle's [[Telecommunications link|uplink]] to [[Inmarsat]]<ref name=":18" />. The [[payload]] was not required to be recovered as it was only a dart and nothing of importance or value<ref name=":17" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ä€tea-1 |url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/atea-1.htm |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Gunter's Space Page |language=en}}</ref>. The company advised that should it be encountered by vessels at sea, the payload should not be handled as it was "[[Potentially hazardous object|potentially hazardous]]" and contained [[Instrumentation|delicate instruments]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-12-01 |title=Boaties urged to look out for rocket payload |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/boaties-urged-look-out-rocket-payload |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Otago Daily Times Online News |language=en}}</ref>. However, performance characteristics were completely determined by the boost stage, which did have [[Telecommunications link|downlink telemetry]] and was recovered<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stuff |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3112652/Atea-1-rocket-booster-found |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}}</ref>. This allowed Rocket Lab to place the entire team working on the Electron.<ref name="Atea" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/atea-1.htm|title=Ātea-1|publisher=Gunter's Space Page|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806170700/https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/atea-1.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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[[File:200131-D-RQ659-0001.JPG|thumb|right|Electron launching from Launch Site 1, 2020|300x300px]] |
[[File:200131-D-RQ659-0001.JPG|thumb|right|Electron launching from Launch Site 1, 2020|300x300px]] |
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Electron is a two-stage launch vehicle which uses Rocket Lab's [[Rocket Lab Rutherford|Rutherford]] liquid engines on both stages<ref>{{cite web |title=Rocket Lab Celebrates Rich Ten-Year History |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/rocket-lab-celebrates-rich-ten-year-history/ |access-date=2020-08-02 |publisher=Rocket Lab USA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=View All Details |url=https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/1835428 |access-date=2020-11-26 |website=app.companiesoffice.govt.nz}}</ref>. The vehicle is capable of delivering payloads of 150 kg to a 500 km [[Sun-synchronous orbit]].<ref name=20160323satellitetoday-rocket>{{cite news|url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/launch/2016/03/23/rocket-lab-completes-flight-qualification-for-electrons-rutherford-engine/|title=Rocket Lab Completes Flight Qualification for Electron's Rutherford Engine|last=Henry|first=Caleb|publisher=Satellite Today|date=23 March 2016|access-date=5 April 2016|archive-date=5 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405041247/http://www.satellitetoday.com/launch/2016/03/23/rocket-lab-completes-flight-qualification-for-electrons-rutherford-engine/|url-status=live}}</ref> The projected cost is less than US$5 million per launch.<ref name=20140729nzherald>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11300831|title=NZ to get its own space programme by 2015|publisher=The New Zealand Herald|agency=APNZ|last=Ryan|first=Sophie|date=29 July 2014|access-date=29 July 2014|archive-date=29 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729105955/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11300831|url-status=live}}</ref> |
[[Rocket Lab Electron|Electron]] is a two-stage launch vehicle which uses Rocket Lab's [[Rocket Lab Rutherford|Rutherford]] liquid engines on both stages<ref>{{cite web |title=Rocket Lab Celebrates Rich Ten-Year History |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/rocket-lab-celebrates-rich-ten-year-history/ |access-date=2020-08-02 |publisher=Rocket Lab USA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=View All Details |url=https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/1835428 |access-date=2020-11-26 |website=app.companiesoffice.govt.nz}}</ref>. The vehicle is capable of delivering payloads of 150 kg to a 500 km [[Sun-synchronous orbit]].<ref name=20160323satellitetoday-rocket>{{cite news|url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/launch/2016/03/23/rocket-lab-completes-flight-qualification-for-electrons-rutherford-engine/|title=Rocket Lab Completes Flight Qualification for Electron's Rutherford Engine|last=Henry|first=Caleb|publisher=Satellite Today|date=23 March 2016|access-date=5 April 2016|archive-date=5 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405041247/http://www.satellitetoday.com/launch/2016/03/23/rocket-lab-completes-flight-qualification-for-electrons-rutherford-engine/|url-status=live}}</ref> The projected cost is less than US$5 million per launch.<ref name=20140729nzherald>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11300831|title=NZ to get its own space programme by 2015|publisher=The New Zealand Herald|agency=APNZ|last=Ryan|first=Sophie|date=29 July 2014|access-date=29 July 2014|archive-date=29 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729105955/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11300831|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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[[File:Electron small launch vehicle of the Rocket Lab Mission to Venus.webp|thumb|Rocket Lab's Electron Rocket, Labeled]] |
[[File:Electron small launch vehicle of the Rocket Lab Mission to Venus.webp|thumb|Rocket Lab's Electron Rocket, Labeled]] |
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The Rutherford engine uses pumps that are uniquely driven by [[Electric-pump-fed engine|battery-powered electric motors]] rather than a [[gas generator]], [[Expander cycle|expander]], or [[Staged combustion cycle|preburner]].<ref name=20150415nzherald>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11432396|title=Rocket Lab unveils world's first battery rocket engine|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|last=Bradley|first=Grant|date=15 April 2015|access-date=15 April 2015|archive-date=2 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202102741/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11432396|url-status=live}}</ref> The engine is fabricated largely by [[3D printing]], via [[Electron-beam additive manufacturing|electron beam melting]],<ref name=20150415popsci>{{cite news|url=http://www.popsci.com/rocket-labs-got-3d-printed-battery-powered-rocket-engine|title=A 3D-Printed, Battery-Powered Rocket Engine|publisher=Popular Science|last=Grush|first=Loren|date=15 April 2015|access-date=15 April 2015|archive-date=31 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131023951/http://www.popsci.com/rocket-labs-got-3d-printed-battery-powered-rocket-engine|url-status=live}}</ref> whereby layers of metal powder are melted in a high vacuum by an electron beam rather than a laser<ref>{{Cite web |title=Engine, Rutherford, Rocket Lab {{!}} National Air and Space Museum |url=https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/engine-rutherford-rocket-lab/nasm_A20220292000 |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=airandspace.si.edu |language=en}}</ref>. By March 2016, the {{cvt|5000|lbf|kN}} second-stage Rutherford engine had completed firing tests.<ref name="sfi20160324">{{cite news|url=https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/commercial/rocket-labs-unusual-rutherford-engine-qualified-for-flight/|title=Rocket Lab's Rutherford Engine Qualified for Flight|publisher=Spaceflight Insider|first=Rae|last=Botsford End|date=24 March 2016|access-date=29 June 2019|archive-date=5 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605083030/https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/commercial/rocket-labs-unusual-rutherford-engine-qualified-for-flight/|url-status=live}}</ref> The first test flight took place on 25 May 2017 at 04:20 UTC from [[Māhia Peninsula]] in [[North Island|New Zealand's North Island]].<ref name="sfnow20170525">{{cite news |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=25 May 2017 |title=Maiden flight of Rocket Lab's small satellite launcher reaches space |work=Spaceflight Now |publisher= |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/05/25/maiden-flight-of-rocket-labs-small-satellite-launcher-reaches-space/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205094650/https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/05/25/maiden-flight-of-rocket-labs-small-satellite-launcher-reaches-space/ |archive-date=5 December 2020}}</ref> After reaching an altitude of about {{cvt|224|km}}, the rocket was performing nominally but telemetry was lost so the decision to destroy it was made by [[range safety]].<ref name="Flight1analysis">{{cite web|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/latest/rocket-lab-completes-post-flight-analysis/|title=Rocket Lab Completes Post-Flight Analysis|publisher=Rocket Lab|date=7 August 2017|access-date=7 August 2017|archive-date=7 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807152538/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/latest/rocket-lab-completes-post-flight-analysis/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="spacenews20170807">{{cite news |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=7 August 2017 |title=Telemetry glitch kept first Electron rocket from reaching orbit |work=[[SpaceNews]] |publisher= |url=http://spacenews.com/telemetry-glitch-kept-first-electron-rocket-from-reaching-orbit/ |url-status=live |access-date=9 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508154619/https://spacenews.com/telemetry-glitch-kept-first-electron-rocket-from-reaching-orbit/ |archive-date=8 May 2022}}</ref><ref name="latimes20170525">{{cite news |last=Masunaga |first=Samantha |date=25 May 2017 |title=Rocket Lab's Electron rocket reaches space, but not orbit, in first test flight |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rocket-lab-test-20170524-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126180846/https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rocket-lab-test-20170524-story.html |archive-date=26 January 2021}}</ref> |
The Rutherford engine uses pumps that are uniquely driven by [[Electric-pump-fed engine|battery-powered electric motors]] rather than a [[gas generator]], [[Expander cycle|expander]], or [[Staged combustion cycle|preburner]].<ref name=20150415nzherald>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11432396|title=Rocket Lab unveils world's first battery rocket engine|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|last=Bradley|first=Grant|date=15 April 2015|access-date=15 April 2015|archive-date=2 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202102741/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11432396|url-status=live}}</ref> The engine is fabricated largely by [[3D printing]], via [[Electron-beam additive manufacturing|electron beam melting]],<ref name=20150415popsci>{{cite news|url=http://www.popsci.com/rocket-labs-got-3d-printed-battery-powered-rocket-engine|title=A 3D-Printed, Battery-Powered Rocket Engine|publisher=Popular Science|last=Grush|first=Loren|date=15 April 2015|access-date=15 April 2015|archive-date=31 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131023951/http://www.popsci.com/rocket-labs-got-3d-printed-battery-powered-rocket-engine|url-status=live}}</ref> whereby layers of metal powder are melted in a high vacuum by an electron beam rather than a laser<ref>{{Cite web |title=Engine, Rutherford, Rocket Lab {{!}} National Air and Space Museum |url=https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/engine-rutherford-rocket-lab/nasm_A20220292000 |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=airandspace.si.edu |language=en}}</ref>. By March 2016, the {{cvt|5000|lbf|kN}} second-stage Rutherford engine had completed firing tests.<ref name="sfi20160324">{{cite news|url=https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/commercial/rocket-labs-unusual-rutherford-engine-qualified-for-flight/|title=Rocket Lab's Rutherford Engine Qualified for Flight|publisher=Spaceflight Insider|first=Rae|last=Botsford End|date=24 March 2016|access-date=29 June 2019|archive-date=5 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605083030/https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/commercial/rocket-labs-unusual-rutherford-engine-qualified-for-flight/|url-status=live}}</ref> The first test flight took place on 25 May 2017 at 04:20 UTC from [[Māhia Peninsula]] in [[North Island|New Zealand's North Island]].<ref name="sfnow20170525">{{cite news |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=25 May 2017 |title=Maiden flight of Rocket Lab's small satellite launcher reaches space |work=Spaceflight Now |publisher= |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/05/25/maiden-flight-of-rocket-labs-small-satellite-launcher-reaches-space/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205094650/https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/05/25/maiden-flight-of-rocket-labs-small-satellite-launcher-reaches-space/ |archive-date=5 December 2020}}</ref> After reaching an altitude of about {{cvt|224|km}}, the rocket was performing nominally but telemetry was lost so the decision to destroy it was made by [[range safety]].<ref name="Flight1analysis">{{cite web|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/latest/rocket-lab-completes-post-flight-analysis/|title=Rocket Lab Completes Post-Flight Analysis|publisher=Rocket Lab|date=7 August 2017|access-date=7 August 2017|archive-date=7 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807152538/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/latest/rocket-lab-completes-post-flight-analysis/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="spacenews20170807">{{cite news |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=7 August 2017 |title=Telemetry glitch kept first Electron rocket from reaching orbit |work=[[SpaceNews]] |publisher= |url=http://spacenews.com/telemetry-glitch-kept-first-electron-rocket-from-reaching-orbit/ |url-status=live |access-date=9 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508154619/https://spacenews.com/telemetry-glitch-kept-first-electron-rocket-from-reaching-orbit/ |archive-date=8 May 2022}}</ref><ref name="latimes20170525">{{cite news |last=Masunaga |first=Samantha |date=25 May 2017 |title=Rocket Lab's Electron rocket reaches space, but not orbit, in first test flight |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rocket-lab-test-20170524-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126180846/https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rocket-lab-test-20170524-story.html |archive-date=26 January 2021}}</ref> |
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=== HASTE suborbital rocket === |
=== HASTE suborbital rocket === |
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HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) is a suborbital testbed derived from the Electron orbital rocket.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |title=HASTE |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/launch/haste/ |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> HASTE provides flight test opportunities for hypersonic and suborbital system technology development<ref name=":15" />. HASTE successfully launched its first mission "Scout's Arrow" on 18 June 2023, the customer was [[Leidos]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scout's Arrow |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/completed-missions/scouts-arrow/ |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> |
HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) is a suborbital testbed derived from the [[Rocket Lab Electron|Electron]] orbital rocket.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |title=HASTE |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/launch/haste/ |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> HASTE provides flight test opportunities for hypersonic and suborbital system technology development<ref name=":15" />. HASTE successfully launched its first mission "Scout's Arrow" on 18 June 2023, the customer was [[Leidos]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scout's Arrow |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/completed-missions/scouts-arrow/ |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> |
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HASTE has a payload capacity of 700 kg, which is twice as much as Electron, it can deploy payloads from 80 km altitude and higher.<ref name=":15" /> In 2024 there are 2 HASTE launches planned.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 November 2024 |title=Rocket Lab Q3 Investor presentation |url=https://s28.q4cdn.com/737637457/files/doc_financials/2023/q3/FINAL_Rocket-Lab-Q3-2023-presentation_pdf_1.pdf |access-date=22 February 2024 |website=investors.rocketlabusa.com}}</ref> Both of these missions will launch from LC-2 in Wallops. As of November 2023 Rocket Lab has at least six HASTE missions signed to the company's manifest.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab Adds New HASTE Launch from Virginia for the Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-adds-new-haste-launch-from-virginia-for-the-department-of-defenses-defense-innovation-unit/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> |
HASTE has a payload capacity of 700 kg, which is twice as much as Electron, it can deploy payloads from 80 km altitude and higher.<ref name=":15" /> In 2024 there are 2 HASTE launches planned.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 November 2024 |title=Rocket Lab Q3 Investor presentation |url=https://s28.q4cdn.com/737637457/files/doc_financials/2023/q3/FINAL_Rocket-Lab-Q3-2023-presentation_pdf_1.pdf |access-date=22 February 2024 |website=investors.rocketlabusa.com}}</ref> Both of these missions will launch from LC-2 in Wallops. As of November 2023 Rocket Lab has at least six HASTE missions signed to the company's manifest.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab Adds New HASTE Launch from Virginia for the Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-adds-new-haste-launch-from-virginia-for-the-department-of-defenses-defense-innovation-unit/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> |
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[[File:Neutron Rocket 27.7.2023 Redesign.png|thumb|A design concept image of Neutron, which is set to launch in 2024]] |
[[File:Neutron Rocket 27.7.2023 Redesign.png|thumb|A design concept image of Neutron, which is set to launch in 2024]] |
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The company announced in March 2021 that they were developing a new [[medium-lift launch vehicle|medium-lift]] two-stage [[Human-rating certification|human rated]] launch vehicle called ''[[Neutron (rocket)|Neutron]]''<ref>{{Cite web |last=updated |first=Meghan Bartels last |date=2021-03-01 |title=Rocket Lab just unveiled plans for a big new rocket called Neutron that could fly astronauts |url=https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-unveils-neutron-rocket-company-going-public |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref>. Neutron is expected to be {{cvt|40|m}} tall with a {{cvt|4.5|m}} diameter [[payload fairing|fairing]]<ref name=":16" />. It will have 13 and 15 ton capacities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 21, 2022 |title=Investor Day presentation |url=https://s28.q4cdn.com/737637457/files/doc_presentations/2022/09/Final_Investor-Day-Presentation-2022_Sept-21.pdf |access-date=28 March 2023 |website=Rocket lab investor day |archive-date=12 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412145332/https://s28.q4cdn.com/737637457/files/doc_presentations/2022/09/Final_Investor-Day-Presentation-2022_Sept-21.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Rocket Lab have said they are going to aim to make the [[First stage (rocketry)|first stage]] of the vehicle [[reusable launch vehicle|reusable]] with landings planned on a [[floating landing platform]] downrange in the ocean.<ref name="sn20210301" /><ref name="bizwwire20210301">{{cite news |date=1 March 2021 |title=Rocket Lab Unveils Plans for New 8-Ton Class Reusable Rocket for Mega-Constellation Deployment |work=[[Business Wire]] |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005406/en/Rocket-Lab-Unveils-Plans-for-New-8-Ton-Class-Reusable-Rocket-for-Mega-Constellation-Deployment |url-status=live |access-date=1 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301113844/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005406/en/Rocket-Lab-Unveils-Plans-for-New-8-Ton-Class-Reusable-Rocket-for-Mega-Constellation-Deployment |archive-date=1 March 2021}}</ref> This method is similar to how [[SpaceX]] [[SpaceX reusable launch system development program|recovers]] the [[Falcon 9]] and [[Falcon Heavy]] rockets<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sheetz |first=Michael |date=2021-12-02 |title=Rocket Lab gives first look at plans for bigger, reusable Neutron rocket as it takes on SpaceX |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/02/rocket-lab-reusable-neutron-rocket-update-competing-with-spacex.html |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>. During a Q&A with space and rocket communicator Scott Manley, Peter Beck indicated a preference to avoid fixed assets such as landing barges<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2023-08-14 |title=Rocket Lab sees Virgin Orbit facility as “scaling enabler” for Neutron |url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-sees-virgin-orbit-facility-as-scaling-enabler-for-neutron/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref>. This indicated that design work had proceeded on the basis that the Neutron would return for landing rather than landing downrange.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVjYHLQtJUE|title = Rocket Lab's Neutron Rocket's Innovative Design Explained by Peter Beck – CEO of Rocket Lab|website = [[YouTube]]|access-date = 22 December 2021|archive-date = 22 December 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211222024100/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVjYHLQtJUE|url-status = live}}</ref> |
The company announced in March 2021 that they were developing a new [[medium-lift launch vehicle|medium-lift]] two-stage [[Human-rating certification|human rated]] launch vehicle called ''[[Neutron (rocket)|Neutron]]''<ref>{{Cite web |last=updated |first=Meghan Bartels last |date=2021-03-01 |title=Rocket Lab just unveiled plans for a big new rocket called Neutron that could fly astronauts |url=https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-unveils-neutron-rocket-company-going-public |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref>. Neutron is expected to be {{cvt|40|m}} tall with a {{cvt|4.5|m}} diameter [[payload fairing|fairing]]<ref name=":16" />. It will have 13 and 15 ton capacities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 21, 2022 |title=Investor Day presentation |url=https://s28.q4cdn.com/737637457/files/doc_presentations/2022/09/Final_Investor-Day-Presentation-2022_Sept-21.pdf |access-date=28 March 2023 |website=Rocket lab investor day |archive-date=12 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412145332/https://s28.q4cdn.com/737637457/files/doc_presentations/2022/09/Final_Investor-Day-Presentation-2022_Sept-21.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Rocket Lab have said they are going to aim to make the [[First stage (rocketry)|first stage]] of the vehicle [[reusable launch vehicle|reusable]] with landings planned on a [[floating landing platform]] downrange in the ocean.<ref name="sn20210301" /><ref name="bizwwire20210301">{{cite news |date=1 March 2021 |title=Rocket Lab Unveils Plans for New 8-Ton Class Reusable Rocket for Mega-Constellation Deployment |work=[[Business Wire]] |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005406/en/Rocket-Lab-Unveils-Plans-for-New-8-Ton-Class-Reusable-Rocket-for-Mega-Constellation-Deployment |url-status=live |access-date=1 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301113844/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005406/en/Rocket-Lab-Unveils-Plans-for-New-8-Ton-Class-Reusable-Rocket-for-Mega-Constellation-Deployment |archive-date=1 March 2021}}</ref> This method is similar to how [[SpaceX]] [[SpaceX reusable launch system development program|recovers]] the [[Falcon 9]] and [[Falcon Heavy]] rockets<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sheetz |first=Michael |date=2021-12-02 |title=Rocket Lab gives first look at plans for bigger, reusable Neutron rocket as it takes on SpaceX |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/02/rocket-lab-reusable-neutron-rocket-update-competing-with-spacex.html |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>. During a Q&A with space and rocket communicator Scott Manley, [[Peter Beck]] indicated a preference to avoid fixed assets such as landing barges<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2023-08-14 |title=Rocket Lab sees Virgin Orbit facility as “scaling enabler” for Neutron |url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-sees-virgin-orbit-facility-as-scaling-enabler-for-neutron/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref>. This indicated that design work had proceeded on the basis that the Neutron would return for landing rather than landing downrange.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVjYHLQtJUE|title = Rocket Lab's Neutron Rocket's Innovative Design Explained by Peter Beck – CEO of Rocket Lab|website = [[YouTube]]|access-date = 22 December 2021|archive-date = 22 December 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211222024100/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVjYHLQtJUE|url-status = live}}</ref> |
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Neutron launches are intended to take place from the [[Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport]] (MARS) on the eastern coast of Virginia<ref name=":16" />. Rocket Lab is expected to modify the existing launch pad infrastructure at [[Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0|Launch Pad 0A (LP-0A)]].<ref name="sn20210301" /> In March 2022, Rocket Lab announced that Neutron will be manufactured at a facility adjacent to [[Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0|Launch Complex 2]] at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport<ref name=":16" />. Launch Complex 2 is currently being used for Electron launches.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Howell |first=Elizabeth |date=2022-03-08 |title=Rocket Lab will build Neutron, a next-generation reusable booster, in Virginia |url=https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-building-neutron-launch-vehicle-virginia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501174843/https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-building-neutron-launch-vehicle-virginia |archive-date=1 May 2022 |access-date=2022-05-01 |website=[[Space.com]] |language=en}}</ref> Rocket Lab began to break ground for this facility on 11 April 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-11 |title=Rocket Lab Breaks Ground on Neutron Production Complex in Wallops, Virginia |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220411005857/en/Rocket-Lab-Breaks-Ground-on-Neutron-Production-Complex-in-Wallops-Virginia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501175342/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220411005857/en/Rocket-Lab-Breaks-Ground-on-Neutron-Production-Complex-in-Wallops-Virginia |archive-date=1 May 2022 |access-date=2022-05-01 |website=[[Business Wire]] |language=en}}</ref> As of March 2021, the company is planning for the first launch no earlier than 2024.<ref name="sn20210301" /> |
Neutron launches are intended to take place from the [[Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport]] (MARS) on the eastern coast of Virginia<ref name=":16" />. Rocket Lab is expected to modify the existing launch pad infrastructure at [[Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0|Launch Pad 0A (LP-0A)]].<ref name="sn20210301" /> In March 2022, Rocket Lab announced that Neutron will be manufactured at a facility adjacent to [[Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0|Launch Complex 2]] at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport<ref name=":16" />. Launch Complex 2 is currently being used for [[Rocket Lab Electron|Electron]] launches.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Howell |first=Elizabeth |date=2022-03-08 |title=Rocket Lab will build Neutron, a next-generation reusable booster, in Virginia |url=https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-building-neutron-launch-vehicle-virginia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501174843/https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-building-neutron-launch-vehicle-virginia |archive-date=1 May 2022 |access-date=2022-05-01 |website=[[Space.com]] |language=en}}</ref> Rocket Lab began to break ground for this facility on 11 April 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-11 |title=Rocket Lab Breaks Ground on Neutron Production Complex in Wallops, Virginia |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220411005857/en/Rocket-Lab-Breaks-Ground-on-Neutron-Production-Complex-in-Wallops-Virginia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501175342/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220411005857/en/Rocket-Lab-Breaks-Ground-on-Neutron-Production-Complex-in-Wallops-Virginia |archive-date=1 May 2022 |access-date=2022-05-01 |website=[[Business Wire]] |language=en}}</ref> As of March 2021, the company is planning for the first launch no earlier than 2024.<ref name="sn20210301" /> |
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=== Photon satellite bus === |
=== Photon satellite bus === |
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{{main|Rocket Lab Photon}} |
{{main|Rocket Lab Photon}} |
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Based on Rocket Lab's Electron kick stage, Photon is a [[satellite bus]].<ref name="spnews20190408">{{cite news |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=8 April 2019 |title=Rocket Lab unveils Photon smallsat bus |work=[[SpaceNews]] |publisher= |url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-unveils-photon-smallsat-bus/ |url-status=live |access-date=8 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508154621/https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-unveils-photon-smallsat-bus/ |archive-date=8 May 2022}}</ref> It can utilize a variety of engines, including those developed by the company itself, such as the [[Curie (rocket engine)|Curie]] and HyperCurie engines, as well as engines from third-party sources, such as the one powering the EscaPADE mission.<ref>{{Citation |title=EscaPADE |date=2023-10-21 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=EscaPADE&oldid=1181196694 |work=Wikipedia |access-date=2023-10-21 |language=en}}</ref> Photon communicates on the [[S band|S-band]]<ref>https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1115390484719882240</ref>. Depending on the orbital inclination (37° to [[Sun-synchronous orbit]]), it is expected to have a maximum payload capacity of {{cvt|170|kg}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/photon/|title=Photon |publisher=Rocket Lab|access-date=12 May 2019|archive-date=4 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604215836/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/photon/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In October 2019, Rocket Lab announced plans to use Photon to launch small payloads into [[lunar orbit]] as soon as fourth quarter 2020.<ref name="20191021arstechnica">{{cite news |last=Berger |first=Eric |author-link=Eric Berger (meteorologist) |date=21 October 2019 |title=Rocket Lab—yep, Rocket Lab—has a plan to deliver satellites to the Moon |work=[[Ars Technica]] |publisher= |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/10/rocket-lab-yep-rocket-lab-has-a-plan-to-deliver-satellites-to-the-moon/ |url-status=live |access-date=30 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022165957/https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/10/rocket-lab-yep-rocket-lab-has-a-plan-to-deliver-satellites-to-the-moon/ |archive-date=22 October 2019}}</ref> A modified version of Photon would have bigger propellant tanks and the HyperCurie engine for interplanetary missions.<ref name="theverge21292753">{{cite news |last=Grush |first=Loren |date=17 June 2020 |title=How small launcher Rocket Lab plans to pull off its first mission to the Moon next year |work=[[The Verge]] |publisher= |url=https://www.theverge.com/21292753/rocket-lab-nasa-capstone-moon-mission-photon-hypercurie-engine |url-status=live |access-date=10 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711003401/https://www.theverge.com/21292753/rocket-lab-nasa-capstone-moon-mission-photon-hypercurie-engine |archive-date=11 July 2020}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/satellites/|title=Satellite Solutions|publisher=Rocket Lab|access-date=10 July 2020|archive-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501080154/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/satellites/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[low Earth orbit]] version of Photon can take {{cvt|130|kg}} to [[Sun-synchronous orbit]]. The interplanetary version will have a {{cvt|40|kg}} payload capacity.<ref name=":1"/> HyperCurie is an evolution of the Curie engine, which comes in a [[monopropellant]] version and a bipropellant version, while the HyperCurie is a hypergolic version. HyperCurie is electrically pumped.<ref name="beck202008">{{cite AV media|first=Peter|last=Beck|title=Rocket Lab SmallSat Update and Q&A|minutes=38|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhqzSVEGVxw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211220/zhqzSVEGVxw |archive-date=2021-12-20 |url-status=live|website=youtube.com|access-date=11 August 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |
Based on Rocket Lab's [[Rocket Lab Electron|Electron]] kick stage, [[Rocket Lab Photon|Photon]] is a [[satellite bus]].<ref name="spnews20190408">{{cite news |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=8 April 2019 |title=Rocket Lab unveils Photon smallsat bus |work=[[SpaceNews]] |publisher= |url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-unveils-photon-smallsat-bus/ |url-status=live |access-date=8 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508154621/https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-unveils-photon-smallsat-bus/ |archive-date=8 May 2022}}</ref> It can utilize a variety of engines, including those developed by the company itself, such as the [[Curie (rocket engine)|Curie]] and HyperCurie engines, as well as engines from third-party sources, such as the one powering the EscaPADE mission.<ref>{{Citation |title=EscaPADE |date=2023-10-21 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=EscaPADE&oldid=1181196694 |work=Wikipedia |access-date=2023-10-21 |language=en}}</ref> Photon communicates on the [[S band|S-band]]<ref>https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1115390484719882240</ref>. Depending on the orbital inclination (37° to [[Sun-synchronous orbit]]), it is expected to have a maximum payload capacity of {{cvt|170|kg}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/photon/|title=Photon |publisher=Rocket Lab|access-date=12 May 2019|archive-date=4 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604215836/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/photon/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In October 2019, Rocket Lab announced plans to use Photon to launch small payloads into [[lunar orbit]] as soon as fourth quarter 2020.<ref name="20191021arstechnica">{{cite news |last=Berger |first=Eric |author-link=Eric Berger (meteorologist) |date=21 October 2019 |title=Rocket Lab—yep, Rocket Lab—has a plan to deliver satellites to the Moon |work=[[Ars Technica]] |publisher= |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/10/rocket-lab-yep-rocket-lab-has-a-plan-to-deliver-satellites-to-the-moon/ |url-status=live |access-date=30 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022165957/https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/10/rocket-lab-yep-rocket-lab-has-a-plan-to-deliver-satellites-to-the-moon/ |archive-date=22 October 2019}}</ref> A modified version of Photon would have bigger propellant tanks and the HyperCurie engine for interplanetary missions.<ref name="theverge21292753">{{cite news |last=Grush |first=Loren |date=17 June 2020 |title=How small launcher Rocket Lab plans to pull off its first mission to the Moon next year |work=[[The Verge]] |publisher= |url=https://www.theverge.com/21292753/rocket-lab-nasa-capstone-moon-mission-photon-hypercurie-engine |url-status=live |access-date=10 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711003401/https://www.theverge.com/21292753/rocket-lab-nasa-capstone-moon-mission-photon-hypercurie-engine |archive-date=11 July 2020}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/satellites/|title=Satellite Solutions|publisher=Rocket Lab|access-date=10 July 2020|archive-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501080154/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/satellites/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[low Earth orbit]] version of Photon can take {{cvt|130|kg}} to [[Sun-synchronous orbit]]. The interplanetary version will have a {{cvt|40|kg}} payload capacity.<ref name=":1"/> HyperCurie is an evolution of the Curie engine, which comes in a [[monopropellant]] version and a bipropellant version, while the HyperCurie is a hypergolic version. HyperCurie is electrically pumped.<ref name="beck202008">{{cite AV media|first=Peter|last=Beck|title=Rocket Lab SmallSat Update and Q&A|minutes=38|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhqzSVEGVxw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211220/zhqzSVEGVxw |archive-date=2021-12-20 |url-status=live|website=youtube.com|access-date=11 August 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |
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Rocket Lab's first in-house designed and built Photon demonstration satellite was called First Light.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coldewey |first=Devin |date=2020-09-03 |title=Rocket Lab secretly launched its very first satellite, 'First Light' |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/09/03/rocket-lab-secretly-launched-its-very-first-satellite-first-light/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref> It was launched aboard Electron rocket on 31 August 2020 on the 14th Electron mission "I Can't Believe It's Not Optical". On that mission, the Electron rocket lifted First Light and the customer satellite, Capella 2, to orbit; then the First Light satellite, acting in the capacity of a [[Apogee kick motor|kick stage]] (final rocket stage which inserts the payload satellite into desired orbit), inserted the customer satellite into its orbit and then went on to begin its own orbital mission as a standalone satellite. First Light thus had a dual role in the mission: first as the final rocket stage delivering the customer satellite and then as a standalone satellite. The purpose of First Light standalone mission is to demonstrate the new (as compared to "plain" kick stage) systems for operating in orbit as a long-duration standalone satellite. To demonstrate Photon bus' payload hosting, the First Light had a low-resolution video camera.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/first-light.htm|title=First Light|publisher=Gunter's Space Page|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-date=23 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923001919/https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/first-light.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> |
Rocket Lab's first in-house designed and built Photon demonstration satellite was called First Light.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coldewey |first=Devin |date=2020-09-03 |title=Rocket Lab secretly launched its very first satellite, 'First Light' |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/09/03/rocket-lab-secretly-launched-its-very-first-satellite-first-light/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref> It was launched aboard Electron rocket on 31 August 2020 on the 14th Electron mission "I Can't Believe It's Not Optical". On that mission, the Electron rocket lifted First Light and the customer satellite, Capella 2, to orbit; then the First Light satellite, acting in the capacity of a [[Apogee kick motor|kick stage]] (final rocket stage which inserts the payload satellite into desired orbit), inserted the customer satellite into its orbit and then went on to begin its own orbital mission as a standalone satellite. First Light thus had a dual role in the mission: first as the final rocket stage delivering the customer satellite and then as a standalone satellite. The purpose of First Light standalone mission is to demonstrate the new (as compared to "plain" kick stage) systems for operating in orbit as a long-duration standalone satellite. To demonstrate Photon bus' payload hosting, the First Light had a low-resolution video camera.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/first-light.htm|title=First Light|publisher=Gunter's Space Page|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-date=23 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923001919/https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/first-light.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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'''Notable Spacecraft Missions''' |
'''Notable Spacecraft Missions''' |
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In February 2020 Rocket Lab was selected by NASA to launch the [[CAPSTONE]] (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) on Electron and deploy it to lunar orbit from a Photon spacecraft bus.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NASA Awards Contract to Launch CubeSat to Moon from Virginia - NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-awards-contract-to-launch-cubesat-to-moon-from-virginia/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |language=en-US}}</ref> CAPSTONE is a microwave oven–sized CubeSat weighing just 55 pounds and is the first spacecraft to test a unique, elliptical lunar orbit. As a pathfinder for Gateway, a Moon-orbiting outpost that is part of NASA’s Artemis program, CAPSTONE will help reduce risk for future spacecraft by validating innovative navigation technologies and verifying the dynamics of this halo-shaped orbit.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is CAPSTONE? - NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/smallspacecraft/capstone/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |language=en-US}}</ref> Originally scheduled to launch from Virginia, the launch location was adjusted to [[Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1|Launch Complex 1]] in New Zealand in August 2021<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab to Launch NASA Funded Commercial Moon Mission from New Zealand |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-to-launch-nasa-funded-commercial-moon-mission-from-new-zealand/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> due to delays in certifying the NASA autonomous flight termination system planned to fly on Electron missions from [[Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0|Launch Complex 2]]. The CAPSTONE mission was successfully launched on Electron in June 2022<ref>{{Cite web |title=CAPSTONE Launches to Test New Orbit for NASA's Artemis Moon Missions - NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/capstone-launches-to-test-new-orbit-for-nasas-artemis-moon-missions/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |language=en-US}}</ref> and on July 4th Photon's HyperCurie engine completed the final Translunar Injection Burn, successfully releasing the CAPSTONE spacecraft on a trajectory to lunar orbit.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-18 |title=NZ-launched satellite reaches moon - after a couple of hairy moments |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/satellite-launched-from-nz-reaches-moon-after-a-couple-of-hairy-moments/PCJE3PUXBNAOHO5KR6G3CZXNJA/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> CAPSTONE successfully completed its primary six-month mission and as of July 2023 was continuing an enhanced mission to deliver ongoing data in support of Artemis.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2023-07-25 |title=CAPSTONE working well more than a year after launch |url=https://spacenews.com/capstone-working-well-more-than-a-year-after-launch/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref> |
In February 2020 Rocket Lab was selected by NASA to launch the [[CAPSTONE]] (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) on [[Rocket Lab Electron|Electron]] and deploy it to lunar orbit from a [[Rocket Lab Photon|Photon spacecraft bus]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NASA Awards Contract to Launch CubeSat to Moon from Virginia - NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-awards-contract-to-launch-cubesat-to-moon-from-virginia/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |language=en-US}}</ref> CAPSTONE is a microwave oven–sized CubeSat weighing just 55 pounds and is the first spacecraft to test a unique, elliptical lunar orbit. As a pathfinder for Gateway, a Moon-orbiting outpost that is part of NASA’s Artemis program, CAPSTONE will help reduce risk for future spacecraft by validating innovative navigation technologies and verifying the dynamics of this halo-shaped orbit.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is CAPSTONE? - NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/smallspacecraft/capstone/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |language=en-US}}</ref> Originally scheduled to launch from Virginia, the launch location was adjusted to [[Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1|Launch Complex 1]] in New Zealand in August 2021<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab to Launch NASA Funded Commercial Moon Mission from New Zealand |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-to-launch-nasa-funded-commercial-moon-mission-from-new-zealand/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> due to delays in certifying the NASA autonomous flight termination system planned to fly on Electron missions from [[Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0|Launch Complex 2]]. The CAPSTONE mission was successfully launched on Electron in June 2022<ref>{{Cite web |title=CAPSTONE Launches to Test New Orbit for NASA's Artemis Moon Missions - NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/capstone-launches-to-test-new-orbit-for-nasas-artemis-moon-missions/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |language=en-US}}</ref> and on July 4th Photon's HyperCurie engine completed the final Translunar Injection Burn, successfully releasing the CAPSTONE spacecraft on a trajectory to lunar orbit.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-18 |title=NZ-launched satellite reaches moon - after a couple of hairy moments |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/satellite-launched-from-nz-reaches-moon-after-a-couple-of-hairy-moments/PCJE3PUXBNAOHO5KR6G3CZXNJA/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> CAPSTONE successfully completed its primary six-month mission and as of July 2023 was continuing an enhanced mission to deliver ongoing data in support of Artemis.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2023-07-25 |title=CAPSTONE working well more than a year after launch |url=https://spacenews.com/capstone-working-well-more-than-a-year-after-launch/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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=== Viscous liquid monopropellant === |
=== Viscous liquid monopropellant === |
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The company's manufacturing process is designed to maximize efficiency and minimize costs, while maintaining a high level of [[quality control]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab Selects Virginia for Neutron Launch Site & Extensive Manufacturing Complex |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-selects-virginia-for-neutron-launch-site-and-extensive-manufacturing-complex/ |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405210021/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-selects-virginia-for-neutron-launch-site-and-extensive-manufacturing-complex/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The company's primary manufacturing facility is located in Huntington Beach,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alamalhodaei |first=Aria |date=2021-09-01 |title=Rocket Lab boosts its space systems division in quest to become an 'end-to-end space company' |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/09/01/rocket-lab-boosts-its-space-systems-divison-in-quest-to-become-an-end-to-end-space-company/ |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405210021/https://techcrunch.com/2021/09/01/rocket-lab-boosts-its-space-systems-divison-in-quest-to-become-an-end-to-end-space-company/ |url-status=live }}</ref> California, where rocket components are manufactured and assembled before being shipped to the [[Spaceport|launch site]] in New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Avionics Quality Inspector |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/careers/positions/avionics-quality-inspector-long-beach-california-united-states-5501470003/ |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405210025/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/careers/positions/avionics-quality-inspector-long-beach-california-united-states-5501470003/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
The company's manufacturing process is designed to maximize efficiency and minimize costs, while maintaining a high level of [[quality control]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab Selects Virginia for Neutron Launch Site & Extensive Manufacturing Complex |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-selects-virginia-for-neutron-launch-site-and-extensive-manufacturing-complex/ |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405210021/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-selects-virginia-for-neutron-launch-site-and-extensive-manufacturing-complex/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The company's primary manufacturing facility is located in Huntington Beach,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alamalhodaei |first=Aria |date=2021-09-01 |title=Rocket Lab boosts its space systems division in quest to become an 'end-to-end space company' |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/09/01/rocket-lab-boosts-its-space-systems-divison-in-quest-to-become-an-end-to-end-space-company/ |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405210021/https://techcrunch.com/2021/09/01/rocket-lab-boosts-its-space-systems-divison-in-quest-to-become-an-end-to-end-space-company/ |url-status=live }}</ref> California, where rocket components are manufactured and assembled before being shipped to the [[Spaceport|launch site]] in New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Avionics Quality Inspector |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/careers/positions/avionics-quality-inspector-long-beach-california-united-states-5501470003/ |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405210025/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/careers/positions/avionics-quality-inspector-long-beach-california-united-states-5501470003/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The manufacturing process begins with the production of the Electron rocket's first stage, which is built using a unique carbon [[composite material]].<ref name="rlug"/> The composite material is specially designed to be lightweight, yet incredibly strong, making it ideal for use in spaceflight applications. The composite material is also resistant to the extreme temperatures and pressures experienced during launch and flight, ensuring that the rocket can withstand the [[Max q|stresses of spaceflight]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab all-composite Electron launch vehicle |url=https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/rocket-lab-all-composite-electron-launch-vehicle |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=www.compositesworld.com |date=12 September 2017 |language=en |archive-date=11 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411150240/https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/rocket-lab-all-composite-electron-launch-vehicle |url-status=live }}</ref> |
The manufacturing process begins with the production of the [[Rocket Lab Electron|Electron]] rocket's first stage, which is built using a unique carbon [[composite material]].<ref name="rlug"/> The composite material is specially designed to be lightweight, yet incredibly strong, making it ideal for use in spaceflight applications. The composite material is also resistant to the extreme temperatures and pressures experienced during launch and flight, ensuring that the rocket can withstand the [[Max q|stresses of spaceflight]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab all-composite Electron launch vehicle |url=https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/rocket-lab-all-composite-electron-launch-vehicle |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=www.compositesworld.com |date=12 September 2017 |language=en |archive-date=11 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411150240/https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/rocket-lab-all-composite-electron-launch-vehicle |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Once the first stage is complete, it is transported to the launch site in New Zealand, where the second stage and other components are added. The second stage is powered by a single Rutherford engine, which is designed and manufactured by Rocket Lab in-house.<ref name="rlug">{{cite web|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/assets/Uploads/Rocket-Lab-Launch-Payload-Users-Guide-6.5.pdf|title=Launch: Payload Users Guide|date=August 2020|publisher=Rocketlab|access-date=April 22, 2023|archive-date=12 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312024814/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/assets/Uploads/Rocket-Lab-Launch-Payload-Users-Guide-6.5.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The engine uses an [[Electric-pump-fed engine|electric pump-fed propulsion system]], which allows for greater control and efficiency compared to traditional c[[Propulsion|hemical propulsion systems]].<ref name="rlug"/> |
Once the first stage is complete, it is transported to the launch site in New Zealand, where the second stage and other components are added. The second stage is powered by a single Rutherford engine, which is designed and manufactured by Rocket Lab in-house.<ref name="rlug">{{cite web|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/assets/Uploads/Rocket-Lab-Launch-Payload-Users-Guide-6.5.pdf|title=Launch: Payload Users Guide|date=August 2020|publisher=Rocketlab|access-date=April 22, 2023|archive-date=12 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312024814/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/assets/Uploads/Rocket-Lab-Launch-Payload-Users-Guide-6.5.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The engine uses an [[Electric-pump-fed engine|electric pump-fed propulsion system]], which allows for greater control and efficiency compared to traditional c[[Propulsion|hemical propulsion systems]].<ref name="rlug"/> |
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In November 2022 Rocket Lab cut the ribbon on an engine test facility for the Archimedes engine at NASA's Stennis Space Center.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NASA Stennis Space Center, Rocket Lab Cut Ribbon on New Tenant Agreement - NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-stennis-space-center-rocket-lab-cut-ribbon-on-new-tenant-agreement/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |language=en-US}}</ref> |
In November 2022 Rocket Lab cut the ribbon on an engine test facility for the Archimedes engine at NASA's Stennis Space Center.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NASA Stennis Space Center, Rocket Lab Cut Ribbon on New Tenant Agreement - NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-stennis-space-center-rocket-lab-cut-ribbon-on-new-tenant-agreement/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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In October 2023 Rocket Lab announced it had acquired carbon composite manufacturing facilities, equipment and more than 50 team members from SailGP Technologies in Warkworth, New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite news |title='From sea to sky': Rocket Lab takes over SailGP manufacturing facility in Warkworth |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/technology/2023/10/rocket-lab-acquires-sailgp-manufacturing-facility-in-warkworth.html |access-date=2024-03-18 |work=Newshub |language=en}}</ref> SailGP was already a supplier to Rocket Lab, so when SailGP announced plans to move operations to the UK Rocket Lab took over the facilities and employees to support a growing production rate for the Electron rocket and the rapid development of Neutron.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab acquires SailGP Technologies facilities and team in Warkworth, New Zealand |url=https://sailgp.com/news/23/rocket-lab-acquires-sailgp-technologies-new-zealand/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=SailGP |language=en}}</ref> |
In October 2023 Rocket Lab announced it had acquired carbon composite manufacturing facilities, equipment and more than 50 team members from SailGP Technologies in Warkworth, New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite news |title='From sea to sky': Rocket Lab takes over SailGP manufacturing facility in Warkworth |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/technology/2023/10/rocket-lab-acquires-sailgp-manufacturing-facility-in-warkworth.html |access-date=2024-03-18 |work=Newshub |language=en}}</ref> SailGP was already a supplier to Rocket Lab, so when SailGP announced plans to move operations to the UK Rocket Lab took over the facilities and employees to support a growing production rate for the Electron rocket and the rapid development of [[Rocket Lab Neutron|Neutron]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab acquires SailGP Technologies facilities and team in Warkworth, New Zealand |url=https://sailgp.com/news/23/rocket-lab-acquires-sailgp-technologies-new-zealand/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=SailGP |language=en}}</ref> |
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In October 2023 Rocket Lab also officially opened its Engine Development Center in Long Beach in the former Virgin Orbit factory, where the company now builds Rutherford and Archimedes engines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab Opens Engine Development Center in Long Beach |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-opens-engine-development-center-in-long-beach/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> |
In October 2023 Rocket Lab also officially opened its Engine Development Center in Long Beach in the former Virgin Orbit factory, where the company now builds Rutherford and Archimedes engines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab Opens Engine Development Center in Long Beach |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-opens-engine-development-center-in-long-beach/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> |
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=== Launch Complex 1 === |
=== Launch Complex 1 === |
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{{main|Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1}} |
{{main|Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1}} |
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The company's Launch Complex 1 (LC-1) is a private orbital launch site located on the [[Māhia Peninsula]] in New Zealand. The site consists of two launch pads,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-18 |title=Rocket Lab opens second launch pad at Mahia, lands US$143m contract |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/rocket-lab-opens-second-launch-pad-at-mahia-lands-us143m-contract/INRPT6SGUU3Q3GU77VZ3QSUOJU/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> a vehicle integration facility, and a range control center.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Samantha Masunaga |date=2016-09-26 |title=Rocket Lab finishes launch complex in New Zealand |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rocket-lab-20160926-snap-story.html |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405213014/https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rocket-lab-20160926-snap-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It was designed to support the company's Electron launch vehicle, which is optimized for small satellite launches.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malik |first=Tariq |date=2022-12-09 |title=Rocket Lab now aims to launch 1st Electron booster from US soil on Dec. 18 |url=https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-first-us-electron-launch-december-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405213350/https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-first-us-electron-launch-december-2022 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=[[Space.com]] |language=en}}</ref> |
The company's Launch Complex 1 (LC-1) is a private orbital launch site located on the [[Māhia Peninsula]] in New Zealand. The site consists of two launch pads,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-18 |title=Rocket Lab opens second launch pad at Mahia, lands US$143m contract |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/rocket-lab-opens-second-launch-pad-at-mahia-lands-us143m-contract/INRPT6SGUU3Q3GU77VZ3QSUOJU/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> a vehicle integration facility, and a range control center.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Samantha Masunaga |date=2016-09-26 |title=Rocket Lab finishes launch complex in New Zealand |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rocket-lab-20160926-snap-story.html |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405213014/https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rocket-lab-20160926-snap-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It was designed to support the company's [[Rocket Lab Electron|Electron]] launch vehicle, which is optimized for small satellite launches.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malik |first=Tariq |date=2022-12-09 |title=Rocket Lab now aims to launch 1st Electron booster from US soil on Dec. 18 |url=https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-first-us-electron-launch-december-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405213350/https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-first-us-electron-launch-december-2022 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=[[Space.com]] |language=en}}</ref> |
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The company originally planned to use the [[Kaitorete Spit]] as their primary launch site and Mahia as a more secondary one. After encountering difficulty in obtaining [[resource consent]] for the Kaitorete Spit launch site,<ref name=20150701bloomberg-space>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-07-01/space-base-in-new-zealand-picked-to-start-private-trips-to-orbit|title=Space Base in New Zealand Picked to Start Private Trips to Orbit |publisher=Bloomberg |first=Lauren|last=Thomas|date=1 July 2015|access-date=1 July 2015|archive-date=3 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703105125/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-07-01/space-base-in-new-zealand-picked-to-start-private-trips-to-orbit |url-status=live}}</ref> Rocket Lab announced in November 2015 that its primary launch site would be on the Māhia Peninsula, east of [[Wairoa]] in the North Island.<ref name=gisborneherald2028761>{{cite news|url=http://gisborneherald.co.nz/localnews/2028761-135/rocket-lab-chooses-mahia-for-space|title=Rocket Lab chooses Mahia for space launches|work=Gisborne Herald|last1=Gregory|first1=Debbie|last2=Ashton|first2=Andrew|date=24 November 2015|access-date=12 January 2016|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206170242/http://gisborneherald.co.nz/localnews/2028761-135/rocket-lab-chooses-mahia-for-space|url-status=live}}</ref> The site is licensed to launch rockets every 72 hours for 30 years.<ref name=stuff84299891>{{cite news |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/84299891/new-zealand-space-industry-prepared-for-takeoff|title=New Zealand space industry prepared for takeoff |website=stuff.co.nz |first=Hamish|last=McNicol|date=18 September 2016|access-date=18 September 2016|archive-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009042738/http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/84299891/new-zealand-space-industry-prepared-for-takeoff|url-status=live}}</ref> Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 (LC-1A) was officially opened on 26 September 2016 ([[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]; 27 September [[NZDT]]).<ref name="space20160926">{{cite news |last=Cofield |first=Calla |date=26 September 2016 |title=Rocket Lab Opens Private Orbital Launch Site in New Zealand |publisher=[[Space.com]] |url=http://www.space.com/34195-rocket-lab-opens-private-launch-site-new-zealand.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301163844/http://www.space.com/34195-rocket-lab-opens-private-launch-site-new-zealand.html |archive-date=1 March 2017}}</ref> In December 2019, Rocket Lab began construction of a second pad on Māhia Peninsula named Launch Complex 1B.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rocket Lab begins construction of a second launch pad at its New Zealand complex|author=Boyle, Alan|date=December 18, 2019|url=https://www.geekwire.com/2019/rocket-lab-lays-plan-add-second-launch-pad-new-zealand-complex/|website=geekwire.com|access-date=March 28, 2023|archive-date=29 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329035138/https://www.geekwire.com/2019/rocket-lab-lays-plan-add-second-launch-pad-new-zealand-complex/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 28 February 2022, Launch Complex 1B hosted its first launch: "[[List of Electron launches|The Owl's Night Continues]]".<ref name=":13">{{cite web |title=Rocket Lab on Twitter: Your pad or mine? Introducing Launch Complex 1 Pad B |url=https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1496482933808373763 |website=Twitter |access-date=28 June 2022 |ref=LC1B launch |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224085139/https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1496482933808373763 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
The company originally planned to use the [[Kaitorete Spit]] as their primary launch site and Mahia as a more secondary one. After encountering difficulty in obtaining [[resource consent]] for the Kaitorete Spit launch site,<ref name=20150701bloomberg-space>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-07-01/space-base-in-new-zealand-picked-to-start-private-trips-to-orbit|title=Space Base in New Zealand Picked to Start Private Trips to Orbit |publisher=Bloomberg |first=Lauren|last=Thomas|date=1 July 2015|access-date=1 July 2015|archive-date=3 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703105125/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-07-01/space-base-in-new-zealand-picked-to-start-private-trips-to-orbit |url-status=live}}</ref> Rocket Lab announced in November 2015 that its primary launch site would be on the Māhia Peninsula, east of [[Wairoa]] in the North Island.<ref name=gisborneherald2028761>{{cite news|url=http://gisborneherald.co.nz/localnews/2028761-135/rocket-lab-chooses-mahia-for-space|title=Rocket Lab chooses Mahia for space launches|work=Gisborne Herald|last1=Gregory|first1=Debbie|last2=Ashton|first2=Andrew|date=24 November 2015|access-date=12 January 2016|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206170242/http://gisborneherald.co.nz/localnews/2028761-135/rocket-lab-chooses-mahia-for-space|url-status=live}}</ref> The site is licensed to launch rockets every 72 hours for 30 years.<ref name=stuff84299891>{{cite news |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/84299891/new-zealand-space-industry-prepared-for-takeoff|title=New Zealand space industry prepared for takeoff |website=stuff.co.nz |first=Hamish|last=McNicol|date=18 September 2016|access-date=18 September 2016|archive-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009042738/http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/84299891/new-zealand-space-industry-prepared-for-takeoff|url-status=live}}</ref> Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 (LC-1A) was officially opened on 26 September 2016 ([[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]; 27 September [[NZDT]]).<ref name="space20160926">{{cite news |last=Cofield |first=Calla |date=26 September 2016 |title=Rocket Lab Opens Private Orbital Launch Site in New Zealand |publisher=[[Space.com]] |url=http://www.space.com/34195-rocket-lab-opens-private-launch-site-new-zealand.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301163844/http://www.space.com/34195-rocket-lab-opens-private-launch-site-new-zealand.html |archive-date=1 March 2017}}</ref> In December 2019, Rocket Lab began construction of a second pad on Māhia Peninsula named Launch Complex 1B.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rocket Lab begins construction of a second launch pad at its New Zealand complex|author=Boyle, Alan|date=December 18, 2019|url=https://www.geekwire.com/2019/rocket-lab-lays-plan-add-second-launch-pad-new-zealand-complex/|website=geekwire.com|access-date=March 28, 2023|archive-date=29 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329035138/https://www.geekwire.com/2019/rocket-lab-lays-plan-add-second-launch-pad-new-zealand-complex/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 28 February 2022, Launch Complex 1B hosted its first launch: "[[List of Electron launches|The Owl's Night Continues]]".<ref name=":13">{{cite web |title=Rocket Lab on Twitter: Your pad or mine? Introducing Launch Complex 1 Pad B |url=https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1496482933808373763 |website=Twitter |access-date=28 June 2022 |ref=LC1B launch |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224085139/https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1496482933808373763 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In March 2021, the company announced that they would modify the pad infrastructure at Launch Complex 0A in order to be able to launch the [[medium-lift launch vehicle|medium-lift]] launch vehicle [[Neutron (rocket)|Neutron]] from LP-0A, with the initial launch planned for as early as 2024.<ref name=sn20210301/> This plan was later abandoned, and a new launch pad for Neutron will be built at MARS. |
In March 2021, the company announced that they would modify the pad infrastructure at Launch Complex 0A in order to be able to launch the [[medium-lift launch vehicle|medium-lift]] launch vehicle [[Neutron (rocket)|Neutron]] from LP-0A, with the initial launch planned for as early as 2024.<ref name=sn20210301/> This plan was later abandoned, and a new launch pad for Neutron will be built at MARS. |
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The first launch from LC-2 happened on 24 January 2023. On the "Virginia is for launch lovers" mission, which was named in celebration of the inaugural launch from LC-2, the Electron rocket launched. It successfully launched 3 satellites to orbit.<ref name="lc2firstlaunch">{{Cite web |last=Harwood |first=William |date=2023-01-24 |title=Rocket Lab launches 3 satellites in first mission from U.S. soil |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rocket-lab-launches-three-satellites-in-first-mission-from-u-s-soil/ |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=CBS News |language=en-US |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125010318/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rocket-lab-launches-three-satellites-in-first-mission-from-u-s-soil/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Since then two more missions flew out of LC-2.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stronger Together |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/completed-missions/stronger-together/ |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en |archive-date=9 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409011112/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/completed-missions/stronger-together/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Scout's Arrow |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/missions-launched/scouts-arrow/ |access-date=2023-11-21 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> |
The first launch from LC-2 happened on 24 January 2023. On the "Virginia is for launch lovers" mission, which was named in celebration of the inaugural launch from LC-2, the [[Rocket Lab Electron|Electron]] rocket launched. It successfully launched 3 satellites to orbit.<ref name="lc2firstlaunch">{{Cite web |last=Harwood |first=William |date=2023-01-24 |title=Rocket Lab launches 3 satellites in first mission from U.S. soil |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rocket-lab-launches-three-satellites-in-first-mission-from-u-s-soil/ |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=CBS News |language=en-US |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125010318/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rocket-lab-launches-three-satellites-in-first-mission-from-u-s-soil/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Since then two more missions flew out of LC-2.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stronger Together |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/completed-missions/stronger-together/ |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en |archive-date=9 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409011112/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/completed-missions/stronger-together/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Scout's Arrow |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/missions-launched/scouts-arrow/ |access-date=2023-11-21 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref> |
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Currently, the company's boosters are not recoverable after their LC-2 launches, since all of the recovery gear is in the Mahia area.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Tariq Malik |date=2023-01-25 |title=Rocket Lab launches 1st Electron booster from US soil in twilight liftoff |url=https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-1st-us-electron-launch |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=Space.com |language=en |archive-date=9 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409011111/https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-1st-us-electron-launch |url-status=live }}</ref> The company does plans to be able to eventually have recovery gear stationed off the coast of Virginia as well. This would allow them to recover Electron.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Mike |last=Wall |date=2023-03-11 |title=Rocket Lab launches 2 satellites to orbit on 2nd Electron mission from US soil |url=https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-stronger-together-launch-march-2023 |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=Space.com |language=en |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325225956/https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-stronger-together-launch-march-2023 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Currently, the company's boosters are not recoverable after their LC-2 launches, since all of the recovery gear is in the Mahia area.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Tariq Malik |date=2023-01-25 |title=Rocket Lab launches 1st Electron booster from US soil in twilight liftoff |url=https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-1st-us-electron-launch |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=Space.com |language=en |archive-date=9 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409011111/https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-1st-us-electron-launch |url-status=live }}</ref> The company does plans to be able to eventually have recovery gear stationed off the coast of Virginia as well. This would allow them to recover Electron.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Mike |last=Wall |date=2023-03-11 |title=Rocket Lab launches 2 satellites to orbit on 2nd Electron mission from US soil |url=https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-stronger-together-launch-march-2023 |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=Space.com |language=en |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325225956/https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-stronger-together-launch-march-2023 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Launch Complex 3 === |
=== Launch Complex 3 === |
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{{main|Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport#Launch_Pad_0D_(LP-0D)/Launch_Complex-3_(LC-3)}} |
{{main|Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport#Launch_Pad_0D_(LP-0D)/Launch_Complex-3_(LC-3)}} |
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In October 2023, construction of a new launch site between LP-0A and LP-0B was seen. The new launch site will be for Neutron and will be named '''Launch pad 0D (LP-0D).''' Rocket Lab will refer to LP-0D as [[Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport#Launch Pad 0D (LP-0D)/Launch Complex-3 (LC-3)|Launch Complex 3]] or LC-3 (located at {{Coord|37.8321693|-75.4899046|display=inline|name=Wallops Island Launch Complex-2}}).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=46744.msg2532314#msg2532314|title=Rocket Lab General Discussion Thread|website=NASASpaceflight|access-date=2023-11-04}}</ref> In January 2024, considerable progress was reported on the construction of the launch site.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A big week of concrete pouring and civil works at Launch Complex 3. |url=https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1750598727570723224?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet}}</ref>Additional progress was seen in March and April 2024 with the installation of the water tower.<ref> {{Cite web |title=Neutron's launch site is taking shape. |url=https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1769840689737855447}}</ref><ref> {{Cite web |title=Up we go! |url=https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1782565733580591402?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet }}</ref> |
In October 2023, construction of a new launch site between LP-0A and LP-0B was seen. The new launch site will be for [[Rocket Lab Neutron|Neutron]] and will be named '''Launch pad 0D (LP-0D).''' Rocket Lab will refer to LP-0D as [[Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport#Launch Pad 0D (LP-0D)/Launch Complex-3 (LC-3)|Launch Complex 3]] or LC-3 (located at {{Coord|37.8321693|-75.4899046|display=inline|name=Wallops Island Launch Complex-2}}).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=46744.msg2532314#msg2532314|title=Rocket Lab General Discussion Thread|website=NASASpaceflight|access-date=2023-11-04}}</ref> In January 2024, considerable progress was reported on the construction of the launch site.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A big week of concrete pouring and civil works at Launch Complex 3. |url=https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1750598727570723224?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet}}</ref>Additional progress was seen in March and April 2024 with the installation of the water tower.<ref> {{Cite web |title=Neutron's launch site is taking shape. |url=https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1769840689737855447}}</ref><ref> {{Cite web |title=Up we go! |url=https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1782565733580591402?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet }}</ref> |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
Revision as of 23:16, 28 April 2024
![]() | |
Company type | Public |
---|---|
| |
Industry | Launch service provider |
Founded | June 2006Auckland, New Zealand[1] | in
Founder | Peter Beck |
Headquarters | Long Beach, California, U.S.[2] |
Key people | Peter Beck (CEO & CTO) |
Products | Electron rocket Rutherford rocket engine Curie and HyperCurie rocket engine Photon satellite bus family Neutron rocket |
Revenue | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | |
Total assets | ![]() |
Total equity | ![]() |
Number of employees | c. 1,650[4] (January 2024) |
Website | rocketlabusa |
Footnotes / references [5][6] |
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. is a publicly traded aerospace manufacturer and launch service provider[7] that operates and launches lightweight Electron orbital rockets[7] used to provide dedicated launch services for small satellites[8] as well as a suborbital variant of Electron called HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron).[9] The company plans to build a larger Neutron rocket[10] as early as 2024.[11] Electron rockets have launched to orbit 46 times from either Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand[7] or at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in Wallops Island, Virginia, United States.[12] Rocket Lab has launched one sub-orbital HASTE rocket to date from Wallops Island, Virginia.[13]
In addition to the Electron, Neutron, and HASTE launch vehicles, Rocket Lab manufactures and operates spacecraft and is a supplier of satellite components including star trackers, reaction wheels, solar cells and arrays, satellite radios, separation systems, as well as flight and ground software.[14]
The company was founded in New Zealand in 2006.[15] By 2009,[16] the successful launch of Ātea-1[16] made the organization the first private company in the Southern Hemisphere to reach space.[15] The company established headquarters in California, US in 2013[17] and developed the expendable[18] Electron rocket.[19] The first launch of the rocket took place in May 2017.[20] In August 2021, the company became a public company, listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange through a SPAC merger.[21] In May 2022, after four years of development, the Electron booster attempted recovery by a helicopter.[22]In 2024, the company announced that a first stage booster that was recovered on an earlier launch will be reused on a future launch, marking the first time Electron would reuse the full first stage.[23]In August 2020 the company launched its first in-house designed and built satellite, Photon.[24]
The company also builds and operates satellites for the Space Development Agency,[25][26] a space-based missile defense program of the United States Space Force established by Michael D. Griffin (who later became a Rocket Lab board member) in his role as Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering during the Trump administration.[27][28] The company's participation drew controversy in New Zealand,[29] where members of parliament noted the company is contributing to the "weaponization of space" and could be in violation of New Zealand's nuclear-free zone laws.[30] The Union of Concerned Scientists warns SDA will escalate global tensions and called the project "fundamentally destabilizing".[31]
Rocket Lab has acquired four companies to expand its space systems offering including Sinclair Interplanetary in April 2020,[32] Advanced Solutions Inc. in December 2021,[33] SolAero Holdings Inc in January 2022,[34] and Planetary Systems Corporation in December 2021.[35]
As of December 2023, the company had approximately 1,650 full time permanent employees globally.[36] Approximately 700 of these employees are based in New Zealand with the remainder in the United States.[37] The acquisition of SolAero added 425 staff members in the United States in January 2022.[38][39]
Two attempts have been made to recover an Electron booster by helicopter.[22][40] In addition, six attempts have been made at soft water recovery.[41][42][43][44][45][46] As of 2022, the company is developing the bigger Neutron reusable unibody rocket;[11] multiple spacecraft buses,[47] and rocket engines: Rutherford,[48] Curie,[49] HyperCurie,[50] and Archimedes.[51]
History
Founding (2006–2012)
The company was founded in June 2006[15] by Peter Beck in New Zealand, after a trip to the United States.[52] During the trip, Beck realized the possibility and potential for a low-cost small vehicle. While contacting potential investors, he met Mark Rocket,[53] who would later become a key seed investor in the company and was the co-director from 2007 to 2011.[54] Other investors to the company includes Stephen Tindall,[55][56] Vinod Khosla, and the New Zealand Government.[57]
The company became the first private company in the Southern Hemisphere to reach space after launching its Ātea-1 sounding rocket in November 2009.[58] The payload was not recovered, as it was deemed to be unsuccessful[59]. The payload was a ballistic instrumentation dart and its trajectory depended only on the boost phase of flight.[60] The launch took place off the coast of New Zealand, from the private island (the Great Mercury Island) of Michael Fay, a New Zealand banker and Rocket Lab investor.[56]
In December 2010, the company was awarded a U.S. government contract from the Operationally Responsive Space Office (ORS) to study a low cost space launcher to place CubeSats into orbit.[61][62][63][64] The agreement with NASA enabled the company to contract for limited NASA resources such as personnel, facilities, and equipment for commercial launch efforts.[65][66]
Moving to United States (2013–2020)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4a/Dr_Dava_Newman%2C_NASA_Deputy_Administrator_visit_to_New_Zealand%2C_July_11-18%2C_2016_%2827619573814%29.jpg/300px-Dr_Dava_Newman%2C_NASA_Deputy_Administrator_visit_to_New_Zealand%2C_July_11-18%2C_2016_%2827619573814%29.jpg)
Around 2013, the company moved its registration from New Zealand to the United States, and opened headquarters in Huntington Beach, California[67][68]. The move coincided with the company receiving funding from American sources, and was in part due to increased U.S. government involvement in the company[67]. The New Zealand company became a subsidiary of the American company.[69] In 2020, Rocket Lab moved its headquarters to Long Beach, California.[70] The move was motivated by the need to accommodate the company's growing workforce and to be closer to major suppliers and customers.[71] The new facility includes a state-of-the-art production facility for manufacturing the company's Electron launch vehicle,[72] as well as administrative offices and other support facilities.[73] The move to Long Beach further solidifies Rocket Lab's position as a key player in the rapidly growing commercial space industry.[74]
In 2013, additional funding was obtained from Khosla Ventures,[75] and Callaghan Innovation (a Crown entity of New Zealand)[67]. Bessemer Venture Partners invested in 2014[76][77] and Lockheed Martin became a strategic investor in 2015.[78] Rocket Lab announced in March 2017 that it had raised an additional US$75 million in a Series D equity round led by Data Collective with participation by Promus Ventures and several previous investors.[79] In May 2017, the investments of Callaghan Innovation was reported to total NZ$15 million.[70] In November 2018, the company reported raising a US$150 million Series E round led by Future Fund.[80] The first NASA mission, launched in 2018, was valued by the space agency at US$6.9 million (with launch services, etc., included).[81]
In 2018, Rocket Lab began to develop reusable first-stage technology,[82] after previously stating publicly that they had no intention of attempting to recover and then reuse their small low-cost launch vehicles[83]. They disclosed the effort to study the potential recovery of an Electron first stage in August 2019, aiming to use a parachute and mid-air retrieval, with a goal of a stage recovery attempt before mid-2020.[84] In December 2019, they flight tested the reentry technology, a Rocket Lab proprietary aerothermal decelerator,[85] on Electron flight number 10, and were able to decelerate the rocket and successfully bring it through the space to lower atmosphere transition.[85] They did not attempt to recover the rocket on this first test; but they planned to add guided parachutes to future test flights, to recover the booster by snagging the rocket with a helicopter in the lower atmosphere.[86]
In March 2020, the company announced that it had acquired Sinclair Interplanetary, a Canadian manufacturer of components for small satellites[87]. Rocket Lab said that it will use Sinclair technology on its Photon line of small satellite buses, and that it would help Sinclair increase production of small satellite components for sale to other firms.[88] Since then, Rocket Lab has launched a variety of missions with some or all of the payload being made by Sinclair Interplanetary.[89]
Trading as a public company (2021–present)
In March 2021, the company announced that it was planning to go public through an initial public offering (IPO) of stock in the second quarter of 2021[90]. The company planned to accomplish the IPO through a merger with a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) called Vector Acquisition Corporation (VACQ).[90][91] The deal had been rumored and some details of the impending deal had leaked out the previous day in New Zealand news outlets.[92] The merger was planned to value the company at US $4.1 billion and provide the company with US $790 million in working capital in order to begin the development of a new medium-lift two-stage-to-orbit launch vehicle called Neutron, aiming for the mega-constellation satellite deployment market.[90] Neutron was planned to be partially reusable with the booster stage performing a Return To Launch Site (RTLS) landing, to be refurbished and then launched again.[93]
The company began trading on the Nasdaq on 25 August 2021 after it merged with SPAC Vector Acquisition, which valued Rocket Lab at $4.8 billion in equity, and the transaction added $777 million in gross cash proceeds[94][95]. At the time of going public, Rocket Lab had over 500 employees and it had successfully launched 105 satellites into orbit[96][97][94]. Rocket Lab's launch business booked revenues of $13.5 million in 2018, $48 million in 2019 and an estimated $33 million in 2020[94]. Rocket Lab spent somewhere between $250 million to $300 million of the cash gained from going public to develop its next-generation rocket Neutron[98]. Rocket Lab aims to launch Neutron for the first time by 2024,[94] also congressional documents suggest that this no longer realistically possible.[99][100][101]
As of August 2021, the company intended to build a new factory in the United States to build the rockets as well as new launch infrastructure for Neutron at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in Wallops Island, Virginia, United States.[88][94] In October 2021, the company acquired Advanced Solutions, Inc (ASI), a Colorado-based spacecraft flight software company.[102] In November 2021, the company acquired Planetary Systems Corporation (PSC), a manufacturer of satellite separation systems for $81.4 million.[103] In January 2022, the company acquired SolAero, a supplier of space solar power products.[104]
On 3 May 2022, in the "There And Back Again" mission, the company launched its Electron rocket from New Zealand, and attempted recover it for the first time[105]. It was able to capture the falling rocket booster in mid air, a historic first.[106][107][108][109] Beck later said that the booster was hanging improperly, so it was allowed to parachute into the water where it was pulled out by a ship.[110]
In August 2022, the company revealed plans to become the first private company to reach Venus.[111] The company is building a small probe, called the Venus Life Finder (VLF),[112] which is designed plunge through Venus's upper atmosphere for roughly five minutes between 29 mi (47 km) and 37 mi (60 km) above the planets' surface, searching for organic compounds.[111] As of March 2023, the target launch date aboard the Electron rocket is January 2025 with arrival scheduled for June 2025.[113]
In October 2023, Rocket Lab officially opened its new engine development facility in Long Beach to support the development of the Archimedes engine.[114] The facility, including production assets such as machinery and equipment, had been acquired in May 2023 out of Virgin Orbit's bankruptcy proceedings.[115]
In January 2024, it was announced that Rocket Lab would be the prime contractor for a $515M USSF military satellite project; the largest contract they have so far received.[116][117]
In April 2024, the company announced it would begin selling carbon composite products to customers.[118]
Hardware
Ātea sounding rocket
The first and only launch of the Ātea (Māori for "space") sub-orbital sounding rocket occurred in late 2009.[119] The 6 m (20 ft) long rocket weighing approximately 60 kg (130 lb) was designed to carry a 2 kg (4.4 lb) payload to an altitude of around 120 km (75 mi).[120] It was intended to carry scientific payloads or possibly personal items.[121][122][123] Originally, a project for Ātea-2 was developed[59]. However, it never launched and was eventually cancelled in favor of working on the Electron.[124][125]
Ātea-1, named Manu Karere or Bird Messenger by the local Māori iwi,[126] was successfully launched from Great Mercury Island near the Coromandel Peninsula on 30 November 2009 at 01:23 UTC (14:23 local time). Fueling problems delayed the scheduled 20:10 UTC (07:10 local time) liftoff to the actual time.[127][128] The rocket was tracked by GPS uplink to the Inmarsat-B satellite constellation[129][130]. After the flight, Ātea-1 splashed down approximately 50 km (31 mi) downrange.[128][131] The payload had no telemetry downlink, but had instrumentation including the launch vehicle's uplink to Inmarsat[129]. The payload was not required to be recovered as it was only a dart and nothing of importance or value[59][132]. The company advised that should it be encountered by vessels at sea, the payload should not be handled as it was "potentially hazardous" and contained delicate instruments[133]. However, performance characteristics were completely determined by the boost stage, which did have downlink telemetry and was recovered[134]. This allowed Rocket Lab to place the entire team working on the Electron.[60][135]
Electron orbital rocket
Electron is a two-stage launch vehicle which uses Rocket Lab's Rutherford liquid engines on both stages[136][137]. The vehicle is capable of delivering payloads of 150 kg to a 500 km Sun-synchronous orbit.[138] The projected cost is less than US$5 million per launch.[139]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/12/Electron_small_launch_vehicle_of_the_Rocket_Lab_Mission_to_Venus.webp/220px-Electron_small_launch_vehicle_of_the_Rocket_Lab_Mission_to_Venus.webp.png)
The Rutherford engine uses pumps that are uniquely driven by battery-powered electric motors rather than a gas generator, expander, or preburner.[140] The engine is fabricated largely by 3D printing, via electron beam melting,[141] whereby layers of metal powder are melted in a high vacuum by an electron beam rather than a laser[142]. By March 2016, the 5,000 lbf (22 kN) second-stage Rutherford engine had completed firing tests.[143] The first test flight took place on 25 May 2017 at 04:20 UTC from Māhia Peninsula in New Zealand's North Island.[144] After reaching an altitude of about 224 km (139 mi), the rocket was performing nominally but telemetry was lost so the decision to destroy it was made by range safety.[145][146][147]
On 21 January 2018 at 01:43 UTC, their second rocket, on a flight named "Still Testing", launched, reached orbit and deployed three CubeSats for customers Planet Labs and Spire Global.[148] The rocket also carried an additional satellite payload called Humanity Star, a 1 m (3 ft 3 in) of wide carbon fibre geodesic sphere made up of 65 panels that reflect the Sun's light.[149] Humanity Star re-entered Earth's atmosphere and burned up in March 2018.[150] On 11 November 2018, the first commercial launch (third launch in total) of Electron occurred from Māhia Peninsula carrying satellites for Spire Global, GeoOptics, a CubeSat built by high school students, and a prototype of a dragsail.[151]
On 4 July 2020, an issue during the second-stage burn of flight 13, named "Pics or It Didn't Happen", caused Electron to fail to get into orbit and its payloads were lost.[152] On 19 November 2020, a successful launch mission named "Return to Sender" deployed its payload of 30 small satellites into orbit[153]. In addition to satellite deployment, a new method of the first stage recovery was successfully implemented.[154] "After stage separation, the first stage will reorient itself for reentry, then deploy a drogue parachute and a larger main parachute before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean about 400 kilometers from the launch site".[155] On 15 May 2021, the company launched the mission "Running Out Of Toes" which successfully utilized the first stage recovery method like the one used on "Return to Sender".[156] However, the rocket failed to place its payload of two BlackSky satellites into orbit after an issue occurred with the second stage.[157] On 15 September 2022, Rocket Lab launched "The Owl Spreads Its Wings" mission, sending a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite into Earth orbit.[158] On September 19, 2023, the Electron failed its mission to deliver a Capella Space synthetic aperture radar imaging satellite when the rocket's second stage failed shortly after separation.[159] Electron successfully returned to flight on December 14 with the launch of a Japanese radar imaging satellite, which also marked a record 10th flight for the rocket in 2023.[160]
HASTE suborbital rocket
HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) is a suborbital testbed derived from the Electron orbital rocket.[161] HASTE provides flight test opportunities for hypersonic and suborbital system technology development[161]. HASTE successfully launched its first mission "Scout's Arrow" on 18 June 2023, the customer was Leidos.[162]
HASTE has a payload capacity of 700 kg, which is twice as much as Electron, it can deploy payloads from 80 km altitude and higher.[161] In 2024 there are 2 HASTE launches planned.[163] Both of these missions will launch from LC-2 in Wallops. As of November 2023 Rocket Lab has at least six HASTE missions signed to the company's manifest.[164]
Neutron reusable rocket
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6b/Neutron_Rocket_27.7.2023_Redesign.png)
The company announced in March 2021 that they were developing a new medium-lift two-stage human rated launch vehicle called Neutron[165]. Neutron is expected to be 40 m (130 ft) tall with a 4.5 m (15 ft) diameter fairing[10]. It will have 13 and 15 ton capacities.[166] Rocket Lab have said they are going to aim to make the first stage of the vehicle reusable with landings planned on a floating landing platform downrange in the ocean.[90][93] This method is similar to how SpaceX recovers the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets[167]. During a Q&A with space and rocket communicator Scott Manley, Peter Beck indicated a preference to avoid fixed assets such as landing barges[168]. This indicated that design work had proceeded on the basis that the Neutron would return for landing rather than landing downrange.[169]
Neutron launches are intended to take place from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) on the eastern coast of Virginia[10]. Rocket Lab is expected to modify the existing launch pad infrastructure at Launch Pad 0A (LP-0A).[90] In March 2022, Rocket Lab announced that Neutron will be manufactured at a facility adjacent to Launch Complex 2 at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport[10]. Launch Complex 2 is currently being used for Electron launches.[170] Rocket Lab began to break ground for this facility on 11 April 2022.[171] As of March 2021, the company is planning for the first launch no earlier than 2024.[90]
Photon satellite bus
Based on Rocket Lab's Electron kick stage, Photon is a satellite bus.[172] It can utilize a variety of engines, including those developed by the company itself, such as the Curie and HyperCurie engines, as well as engines from third-party sources, such as the one powering the EscaPADE mission.[173] Photon communicates on the S-band[174]. Depending on the orbital inclination (37° to Sun-synchronous orbit), it is expected to have a maximum payload capacity of 170 kg (370 lb).[175] In October 2019, Rocket Lab announced plans to use Photon to launch small payloads into lunar orbit as soon as fourth quarter 2020.[176] A modified version of Photon would have bigger propellant tanks and the HyperCurie engine for interplanetary missions.[177][178] The low Earth orbit version of Photon can take 130 kg (290 lb) to Sun-synchronous orbit. The interplanetary version will have a 40 kg (88 lb) payload capacity.[178] HyperCurie is an evolution of the Curie engine, which comes in a monopropellant version and a bipropellant version, while the HyperCurie is a hypergolic version. HyperCurie is electrically pumped.[179]
Rocket Lab's first in-house designed and built Photon demonstration satellite was called First Light.[180] It was launched aboard Electron rocket on 31 August 2020 on the 14th Electron mission "I Can't Believe It's Not Optical". On that mission, the Electron rocket lifted First Light and the customer satellite, Capella 2, to orbit; then the First Light satellite, acting in the capacity of a kick stage (final rocket stage which inserts the payload satellite into desired orbit), inserted the customer satellite into its orbit and then went on to begin its own orbital mission as a standalone satellite. First Light thus had a dual role in the mission: first as the final rocket stage delivering the customer satellite and then as a standalone satellite. The purpose of First Light standalone mission is to demonstrate the new (as compared to "plain" kick stage) systems for operating in orbit as a long-duration standalone satellite. To demonstrate Photon bus' payload hosting, the First Light had a low-resolution video camera.[181]
As of 2024[update], Rocket Lab has 4 different variations of satellite bus platform: Explorer, Pioneer, Lightning and Photon.[182]
Notable Spacecraft Missions
In February 2020 Rocket Lab was selected by NASA to launch the CAPSTONE (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) on Electron and deploy it to lunar orbit from a Photon spacecraft bus.[183] CAPSTONE is a microwave oven–sized CubeSat weighing just 55 pounds and is the first spacecraft to test a unique, elliptical lunar orbit. As a pathfinder for Gateway, a Moon-orbiting outpost that is part of NASA’s Artemis program, CAPSTONE will help reduce risk for future spacecraft by validating innovative navigation technologies and verifying the dynamics of this halo-shaped orbit.[184] Originally scheduled to launch from Virginia, the launch location was adjusted to Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand in August 2021[185] due to delays in certifying the NASA autonomous flight termination system planned to fly on Electron missions from Launch Complex 2. The CAPSTONE mission was successfully launched on Electron in June 2022[186] and on July 4th Photon's HyperCurie engine completed the final Translunar Injection Burn, successfully releasing the CAPSTONE spacecraft on a trajectory to lunar orbit.[187] CAPSTONE successfully completed its primary six-month mission and as of July 2023 was continuing an enhanced mission to deliver ongoing data in support of Artemis.[188]
Viscous liquid monopropellant
In 2012, the company demonstrated a rocket propelled by a Viscous Liquid Monopropellant (VLM) developed in work sponsored by DARPA and the Office of Naval Research (NRL). The VLM was reported to be thixotropic, so that it behaves as a pseudo solid until a shear force is applied, at which point it flows like a liquid. The VLM was reported to have a density comparable to solid-rocket fuels, with a specific gravity of about 1.72, whereas the specific gravity of liquid rocket fuels was reported to rarely be above 1. The VLM reportedly required no special handling, was non-toxic, water-soluble, had low sensitivity to shock, a high ignition point, and was barely flammable in atmosphere.[189] The company has been issued U.S. patent 20120234196A1 on a Viscous Liquid Monopropellant which discloses additional details.[190]
Instant Eyes
Back in 2011 Rocket Lab had a program called "Instant Eyes".[191][192] The Instant Eyes UAV[193] was designed for military personnel seeking a bird's-eye view of the battlefield, much like the capabilities of modern-day drones. Instant Eyes was a mini solid rocket motor that could be hand launched in a special launching tube. Upon launching, the rocket with its 5MP camera would launch up to an altitude of 1 km within 20 seconds.[194] Upon reaching the correct altitude, Instant Eyes would deploy its parachute and start wirelessly live streaming the footage. At the maximum altitude, the operator would receive a 1 km field of view of the battlefield. Once the rocket reached the ground, roughly 120 seconds after reaching the maximum altitude, the UAV would self-destruct.[195] Instant Eyes was co-developed with L2 Aerospace.[196][195]
Facilities
Manufacturing
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1d/KSC-20180410-PH_CSH01_0002.jpg/300px-KSC-20180410-PH_CSH01_0002.jpg)
In October 2018, the company revealed their new manufacturing facility in Auckland, New Zealand.[197] It is intended for the production of propellant tanks and stage builds, and is in charge of the overall integration of launch vehicles at Launch Complex 1.[198] The company's headquarters in Long Beach, California, produces their Rutherford engines and avionics.[2][198]
The company's manufacturing process is designed to maximize efficiency and minimize costs, while maintaining a high level of quality control.[199] The company's primary manufacturing facility is located in Huntington Beach,[200] California, where rocket components are manufactured and assembled before being shipped to the launch site in New Zealand.[201]
The manufacturing process begins with the production of the Electron rocket's first stage, which is built using a unique carbon composite material.[202] The composite material is specially designed to be lightweight, yet incredibly strong, making it ideal for use in spaceflight applications. The composite material is also resistant to the extreme temperatures and pressures experienced during launch and flight, ensuring that the rocket can withstand the stresses of spaceflight.[203]
Once the first stage is complete, it is transported to the launch site in New Zealand, where the second stage and other components are added. The second stage is powered by a single Rutherford engine, which is designed and manufactured by Rocket Lab in-house.[202] The engine uses an electric pump-fed propulsion system, which allows for greater control and efficiency compared to traditional chemical propulsion systems.[202]
Manufacturing the carbon composite components of the main flight structure has traditionally required 400 hours, with extensive hand labor in the process.[204] In late 2019, Rocket Lab brought a new robotic manufacturing capability online to produce all composite parts for an Electron in just 12 hours.[205] The robot was nicknamed "Rosie the Robot", after The Jetsons character. The process can make all the carbon fiber structures as well as handle cutting, drilling, and sanding such that the parts are ready for final assembly. The company objective as of November 2019 is to reduce the overall Electron manufacturing cycle to just seven days.[206][207]
Rutherford engine production makes extensive use of additive manufacturing and has since the earliest flights of Electron. This allows the capability to scale production in a relatively straightforward manner by increasing the number and capability of 3D printers.[206]
In November 2022 Rocket Lab cut the ribbon on an engine test facility for the Archimedes engine at NASA's Stennis Space Center.[208]
In October 2023 Rocket Lab announced it had acquired carbon composite manufacturing facilities, equipment and more than 50 team members from SailGP Technologies in Warkworth, New Zealand.[209] SailGP was already a supplier to Rocket Lab, so when SailGP announced plans to move operations to the UK Rocket Lab took over the facilities and employees to support a growing production rate for the Electron rocket and the rapid development of Neutron.[210]
In October 2023 Rocket Lab also officially opened its Engine Development Center in Long Beach in the former Virgin Orbit factory, where the company now builds Rutherford and Archimedes engines.[211]
In November 2023 Rocket Lab announced plans to establish a Space Structures Complex in Middle River, MD, deliver a comprehensive suite of advanced composite products for the space industry and to further vertically integrate supply for the company’s internal needs across launch and space systems. The site will also play a role in the development and long-term supply of carbon composite structures Neutron.[212]
Through the acquisition of SolAero, Rocket Lab also has facilities in Alburquerque, NM.[213] Through the acquisition of ASI the company has facilities in Littleton, Colorado.[214] Through the acquisition of Planetary Systems Corp. the company has facilities in Maryland,[215] and in Toronto, Canada through the acquisition of Sinclair Interplanetary.[216] In September 2021 Rocket Lab announced it was expanding production of reaction wheels with a new production line in Auckland to support production of up to 2,000 reaction wheels per year for an undisclosed mega constellation customer.[217]
Launch Complex 1
The company's Launch Complex 1 (LC-1) is a private orbital launch site located on the Māhia Peninsula in New Zealand. The site consists of two launch pads,[218] a vehicle integration facility, and a range control center.[219] It was designed to support the company's Electron launch vehicle, which is optimized for small satellite launches.[220]
The company originally planned to use the Kaitorete Spit as their primary launch site and Mahia as a more secondary one. After encountering difficulty in obtaining resource consent for the Kaitorete Spit launch site,[221] Rocket Lab announced in November 2015 that its primary launch site would be on the Māhia Peninsula, east of Wairoa in the North Island.[222] The site is licensed to launch rockets every 72 hours for 30 years.[223] Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 (LC-1A) was officially opened on 26 September 2016 (UTC; 27 September NZDT).[224] In December 2019, Rocket Lab began construction of a second pad on Māhia Peninsula named Launch Complex 1B.[225] On 28 February 2022, Launch Complex 1B hosted its first launch: "The Owl's Night Continues".[226]
LC-1 has been in operation since 2017 and has supported numerous launches for a variety of customers, including NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and commercial satellite operators.[227] LC-1A was the first part of LC-1 and was introduced in 2017. The first launch supported from LC-1A was "It's a Test".[228] LC-1B was added later in February 2022. "The Owl's Night Continues" was the first launch supported from LC-1B.[226]
Launch Complex 2
In October 2018, after several months of search, the company announced their selection of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility as their second launch site. The site was chosen for a number of factors. First was the speed and ease in which the new pad could be built due to infrastructure readiness. Second was the low number of launches from other companies. Third was the location's ability to supplement orbital inclinations provided by LC-1. It was expected to be capable of monthly launches serving United States government and commercial missions.[198] Launch Complex 2 (LC-2) is located within the fence line of MARS Launch Pad 0A.[229] In December 2019, construction of the launch pad was completed and Rocket Lab inaugurated the LC-2.[230]
In March 2021, the company announced that they would modify the pad infrastructure at Launch Complex 0A in order to be able to launch the medium-lift launch vehicle Neutron from LP-0A, with the initial launch planned for as early as 2024.[90] This plan was later abandoned, and a new launch pad for Neutron will be built at MARS.
The first launch from LC-2 happened on 24 January 2023. On the "Virginia is for launch lovers" mission, which was named in celebration of the inaugural launch from LC-2, the Electron rocket launched. It successfully launched 3 satellites to orbit.[231] Since then two more missions flew out of LC-2.[232][233]
Currently, the company's boosters are not recoverable after their LC-2 launches, since all of the recovery gear is in the Mahia area.[234] The company does plans to be able to eventually have recovery gear stationed off the coast of Virginia as well. This would allow them to recover Electron.[235]
Launch Complex 3
In October 2023, construction of a new launch site between LP-0A and LP-0B was seen. The new launch site will be for Neutron and will be named Launch pad 0D (LP-0D). Rocket Lab will refer to LP-0D as Launch Complex 3 or LC-3 (located at 37°49′56″N 75°29′24″W / 37.8321693°N 75.4899046°W).[236] In January 2024, considerable progress was reported on the construction of the launch site.[237]Additional progress was seen in March and April 2024 with the installation of the water tower.[238][239]
See also
- Firefly Aerospace – American private aerospace company
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External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Official website
- Rocket Lab on X
- Business data for Rocket Lab USA, Inc.:
- Rocket Lab
- 2013 establishments in California
- Aerospace companies of New Zealand
- Aerospace companies of the United States
- American companies established in 2006
- Commercial launch service providers
- Companies based in Huntington Beach, California
- Companies listed on the Nasdaq
- Manufacturing companies based in Greater Los Angeles
- New Zealand companies established in 2006
- New Zealand subsidiaries of foreign companies
- Private spaceflight companies
- Rocket engine manufacturers of the United States
- Sounding rockets of New Zealand
- Special-purpose acquisition companies
- Transport companies established in 2006
- Transport companies of New Zealand
- Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 2006