Rocket Lab Ltd
Electron
Rocket Lab is an American aerospace manufacturer with a wholly owned New Zealand subsidiary. The company develops lightweight, cost-effective commercial rocket launch services. The Electron Program was founded on the premise that small payloads such as CubeSats require dedicated small launch vehicles and flexibility not currently offered by traditional rocket systems. Its rocket, the Electron, is a light-weight rocket and is now operating commercially. Electron currently launches from only Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand however they are currently looking into developing a facility in the US.
INFO WIKILaunch Vehicle
Electron
Configuration:
Family: Electron
Electron is a two-stage orbital expendable launch vehicle (with an optional third stage) developed by the American aerospace company Rocket Lab. Electron is a small-lift launch vehicle designed to launch small satellites and cubesats to sun-synchronous orbit and low earth orbit. The Electron is the first orbital class rocket to use electric-pump-fed engines, powered by the 9 Rutherford engines on the first stage.
ExploreDedicated Rideshare
This is the Rocket Lab's 10th flight. It carries several small satellites for international commercial customers. This is also the first flight to feature an upgraded first stage of the Electron rocket, which is now equipped with new hardware and sensors. After completing its mission, Electron's first stage will perform a guided atmospheric re-entry, gathering data necessary for the development of Rocket Lab's reusability program.
Launch Infographic
Geoff Barrett is an independent graphic artist that creates launch infographics for space flight events.
Related News
NASA Spaceflight
Rocket Lab launches 10th Electron flight – critical step towar...
Rocket Lab’s Electron small satellite launch vehicle is scheduled to enter double digits in the next few days. If all...
Spaceflight Now
Rocket Lab’s 10th launch tests booster recovery technology
If you would like to see more articles like this please support our coverage of the space program by becoming a Space...