emoval by Astroscale demonstration satellite into a 400 km orbit approximately 60 minutes after liftoff.
The mission marks Rocket Lab’s 25th Electron launch and 3rd mission for 2024, continuing the Company’s track record of rapid launch cadence and on-time delivery for customers. The launch also represents the 11th Electron mission to be dedicated to deploying commercial or government satellites to orbit, and the ninth Electron mission to deploy spacecraft specifically for technology demonstration or scientific research. This success also builds on a series of significant milestones for Rocket Lab, including the announcement of a 10th successful recovery of an Electron first stage booster and the unveiling of the company’s new Neutron rocket earlier this year.
“Congratulations to Astroscale on today’s successful satellite deployment. It’s an honor to play a role in the critical work being done to address orbital debris and preserve the space environment,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck. “The Electron launch vehicle continues to set the standard for responsive and reliable space access for customers around the world, and we’re proud to deliver for Astroscale, adding to our track record of successfully deploying satellites for commercial and government missions.”
“We are grateful for Rocket Lab’s support on this mission and their commitment to reliable and responsive launch services,” said Nobu Okada, Founder and CEO of Astroscale. “The success of this mission is an important step as we continue to advance technology and techniques for satellite-based debris removal and on-orbit services.”
Today’s mission brings Rocket Lab’s total number of satellites deployed to orbit to 218. The Company plans to conduct a total of 7 Electron launches in 2024, including launches from the US and New Zealand, and continues to increase production of Electron launch vehicles at its facilities in New Zealand and the US.
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is the world’s leading dedicated small satellite launch provider. Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab provides end-to-end mission services, including complete satellite build and launch solutions, that provide rapid, frequent and reliable access to space. Since its first orbital launch, the company has delivered 218 satellites to orbit for government and commercial entities and launched more frequently than any other U.S. launch provider. Rocket Lab operates three launch pads, including its primary production complex in Auckland, New Zealand, and a private launch facility in Virginia, USA. To learn more, visit http://www.rocketlabusa.com.
About Astroscale
Astroscale is a global company leading the development of space debris removal services to secure long-term orbital sustainability for future generations. Astroscale’s mission is to secure the orbital environment and ensure the sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations. Established in 2013, Astroscale is developing a scalable and flexible solution for satellite end-of-life and debris mitigation services, to support satellite operators and global citizens to be secure in the knowledge that space is being used and explored in a sustainable way. To learn more, visit http://www.astroscale.com.
Contacts
Media:
Morgan Bailey
morgan@rocketlabusa.com
+1 310-221-7299
Investor Relations:
Rocket Lab Successfully Launches 44th Electron Rocket
Rocket Lab USA, Inc., a global leader in launch services and space systems, has achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of its 44th Electron rocket. The mission, named “On Closer Inspection,” took place at Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand and resulted in the deployment of an orbital debris inspection satellite for Astroscale Japan Inc. This successful launch, which is part of the company’s 25th Electron mission and its third mission for 2024, demonstrates Rocket Lab’s commitment to delivering rapid and reliable access to space for its customers.
The Active Debris Removal by Astroscale demonstration satellite was deployed into a 400 km orbit approximately 60 minutes after liftoff, marking an important step in addressing orbital debris and preserving the space environment. Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck, expressed his pride in the company’s role in advancing this critical work, highlighting the Electron launch vehicle’s ability to set the standard for responsive and reliable space access for customers around the world.
Nobu Okada, Founder and CEO of Astroscale, also expressed gratitude for Rocket Lab’s support on this mission, emphasizing the importance of reliable and responsive launch services in advancing technology and techniques for satellite-based debris removal and on-orbit services.
This success adds to Rocket Lab’s track record of deploying satellites for commercial and government missions, bringing its total number of satellites deployed to orbit to 218. The company plans to conduct a total of 7 Electron launches in 2024, further solidifying its position as the world’s leading dedicated small satellite launch provider.
For more information on Rocket Lab’s mission services and achievements, visit http://www.rocketlabusa.com. To learn more about Astroscale’s mission to secure orbital sustainability and space debris removal services, visit http://www.astroscale.com. For media inquiries, please contact Morgan Bailey at morgan@rocketlabusa.com, and for investor relations, please email investor@rocketlabusa.com.
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