Winston
Lorenzo von Matterhorn
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2009
- Messages
- 9,561
- Reaction score
- 1,764
https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/...b-sets-launch-window-for-next-electron-launch
This second launch christened Still Testing by the U.S.-based launch provider will lift off from the companys Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. Situated on the tip of the Mahia Peninsula on New Zealands North Island, the launch pad is the first orbital launch site in the island nation.
Still Testing will be carrying three small satellites to orbit. Sitting atop the Electron will be two Lemur-2 satellites, as well as a single Dove satellite.
The Dove CubeSat, manufactured and operated by Planet Labs, will join Planets existing constellation of imaging satellites, adding to the companys stable of hardware. Likewise, Spires Lemur CubeSats will take their place among the companys collection of weather and tracking satellites already on orbit.
Though the payloads are small, they are an important evolution of Rocket Lab from a startup into a commercial launch provider.
This is the first test carrying customer payloads and well be monitoring everything closely as we attempt to reach orbit, Beck said.
Rocket Lab is hopeful that, should this launch be successful, the company can cancel its remaining test flight and begin full commercial operations.
In contrast to the first launch, Rocket Lab plans to provide live video coverage via the companys website ( https://www.rocketlabusa.com/ ) approximately 15 minutes before liftoff launch.
CURRENTLY TARGETING NO EARLIER THAN 2:30 PM, MONDAY 11 DECEMBER NZDT (SUNDAY 8:30 PM EST/5:30 PM PST)
https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/...b-sets-launch-window-for-next-electron-launch
This second launch christened Still Testing by the U.S.-based launch provider will lift off from the companys Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. Situated on the tip of the Mahia Peninsula on New Zealands North Island, the launch pad is the first orbital launch site in the island nation.
Still Testing will be carrying three small satellites to orbit. Sitting atop the Electron will be two Lemur-2 satellites, as well as a single Dove satellite.
The Dove CubeSat, manufactured and operated by Planet Labs, will join Planets existing constellation of imaging satellites, adding to the companys stable of hardware. Likewise, Spires Lemur CubeSats will take their place among the companys collection of weather and tracking satellites already on orbit.
Though the payloads are small, they are an important evolution of Rocket Lab from a startup into a commercial launch provider.
This is the first test carrying customer payloads and well be monitoring everything closely as we attempt to reach orbit, Beck said.
Rocket Lab is hopeful that, should this launch be successful, the company can cancel its remaining test flight and begin full commercial operations.
In contrast to the first launch, Rocket Lab plans to provide live video coverage via the companys website ( https://www.rocketlabusa.com/ ) approximately 15 minutes before liftoff launch.
CURRENTLY TARGETING NO EARLIER THAN 2:30 PM, MONDAY 11 DECEMBER NZDT (SUNDAY 8:30 PM EST/5:30 PM PST)
https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/...b-sets-launch-window-for-next-electron-launch
