Rocket Lab Plans Next Electron Launch With Spaceflight

Rocket Lab plans to launch its Electron rocket in June to carry multiple satellites into orbit for space rideshare and mission management provider Spaceflight. 

The mission will be the seventh Electron launch and the company’s third for 2019, following two launches for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the U.S. Air Force, Rocket Lab said Friday. 

The upcoming Make it Rain mission with Spaceflight will launch from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand.

Satellites aboard the launch vehicle will include BlackSky’s Global-4, two U.S. Special Operations Command Prometheus and the Melbourne Space Program’s ACRUX-1.

“This exciting mission with Spaceflight demonstrates the new level of freedom now offered to small satellite operators thanks to Electron,” said Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab. 

He added the upcoming mission will use Electron’s Kick Stage powered by the 3D printed Curie engine. 

The company said the component lowers the risk of spacecraft recontact during deployment and ensures precise deployment of satellites to specific orbits.