Rocket Lab, a New Zealand/US spaceflight startup, has successfully launched seven small satellites under its âMake It Rainâ mission on June 29. These satellites were carried aboard the Electron rocket and the launch took place from their Launch Complex 1 on the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand at 04:30 UTC. The launch was a rideshare mission for the private aerospace company Spaceflight.
Among the payloads were two spacecrafts, namely, Prometheus and Cubesat ACRUX-1. The Cubesat is a part of the Melbourne Space Program, an educational organization that gives Australian students practical experience through space projects. The former craft will be operated by the United States Special Operations Command.
Apart from these payloads, there was BlackSky Global-3, which is the largest spacecraft on the mission. A Rocket Lab representative wrote in a press-kit that the spacecraft is âa microsatellite developed, designed and manufactured by BlackSky, a leading provider of geospatial intelligence, satellite imaging, and global monitoring services,â
This was Electronâs seventh flight and the companyâs third launch this year. The companyâs missions sport some of the most playful titles. Its previous two missions were called âThatâs a Funny Looking Cactusâ, with âTwo Thumbs Upâ. Its current mission, âMake It Rainâ was named for the heavy rainfall in Spaceflightâs home town Seattle (as well as in New Zealand).
After the successful launch, Rocket Lab CEO and Founder, Peter Beck, congratulated his team said in a statement saying, âCongratulations to the dedicated teams behind the payloads on this mission, and also to our team for another flawless Electron launch.â
He added, âItâs a privilege to provide tailored and reliable access to space for small satellites like these, giving each one a smooth ride to orbit and precise deployment, even in a rideshare arrangement.â
Beck reported that the companyâs current year is booked with monthly launches. While the date for its next mission isnât announced yet, Beck hinted that it could be just weeks away.
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Iâm a physics major and a writer. My interests include theoretical physics, applied mathematics and advanced tech.