Rocket Lab Electron approaching first launch

[Winston]

https://www.rocketlabusa.com/

Rocket Lab (NZ/USA) plans to launch a passive payload into an elliptical orbit, varying between 300 - 500km at an 83 degree inclination on it's Electron vehicle during a ten day window starting on 22May NZST (GMT+12).

Intended launch azimuth is 174 degrees from Rocket Lab's launch facility on the Mahia Peninsula, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand (-39.2618, 177.8652).

 

[dhbarr]

Space reached, but I'm hearing rumblings the second​ stage didn't achieve orbit. In any case, exciting stuff!

Too bad Firefly didn't make it this far :-/

 

[aerostadt]

Space reached, but I'm hearing rumblings the second​ stage didn't achieve orbit. In any case, exciting stuff!

Too bad Firefly didn't make it this far :-/

Yes, space was reached, but not enough velocity to put an inert payload into orbit. Rocket had a 3D printed engine and electric powered pumps.

https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/05/...-labs-small-satellite-launcher-reaches-space/

 

[OverTheTop]

Great effort from Rocket Lab!
[video=youtube;VA_8HPsua0c]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA_8HPsua0c[/video]

Will be interesting to see what they learned from the launch and how many goals were achieved.

Keep up the good work

 

[OverTheTop]

Here are some good articles on the launch and vehicle:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/05/rocket-labs-electron-inaugural-flight-new-zealand/

https://www.space.com/37003-rocket-lab-electron-booster-debut-launch-falls-short.html