Jane Edwards
Rocket Lab USA will resume launches of its Electron vehicle after it secured authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration.
The company said Wednesday it initiated an investigation after encountering an in-flight anomaly during the 41st launch mission of its Electron rocket on Sept. 19.
According to flight data, the rocket’s first stage performed as planned but an issue was detected minutes after the engine of the vehicle’s second stage ignited. The National Transportation Safety Board has been designated official observer in the investigation.
“Our investigation team with FAA oversight has worked around the clock since the moment of the anomaly to uncover all possible root causes, replicate them in test, and determine a path for corrective actions to avoid similar failure modes in future,” said Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab.
“We look forward to sharing the details of the review once it is fully complete ahead of returning to flight this quarter,” Beck added.
The Electron vehicle has fielded 171 satellites to orbit and performed 20 consecutive orbital launches.
