Rocket Lab

Official account for Rocket Lab, the end-to-end space company. We build rockets and spacecraft that open access to space to improve life on Earth.

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

Rocket Lab 🤝 Mars

From orbiters and landers to rovers and helicopters – our technology has enabled some of the most ambitious Mars missions in history.

With Motiv (creators of Perseverance's robotic arm) now part of Rocket Lab, we're one of the few companies capable of delivering complete Mars mission solutions, including launch + spacecraft + software, and now proven robotics for surface and orbital operations too.

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

Why we fit test:
🔧To make sure all interfaces between the engine and the rest of Neutron work in real-life as they do in the design space.
🚀Prepare for integration to fully assemble Neutron for test before launch.

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

Sneak peek of our recent Archimedes engine fit check to Neutron's Stage 1 thrust structure.

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

@SemperCitiusSDA Read more: https://t.co/jqnFtf30lL

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

We have successfully passed System Requirements Review for the Space Development Agency's Tracking Layer Tranche 3 constellation. This milestone advances the program that will see Rocket Lab deliver satellites equipped with advanced missile warning, tracking, and defense capabilities to U.S. and allied national security.

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

Read the full details: https://t.co/YUGm7xWG2M

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

We have officially acquired Motiv Space Systems.
Motiv – now Rocket Lab Robotics – brings mission-tested Mars heritage with advanced multi-degree of freedom robotic arms, actuators, and drive electronics that have enabled some of the most ambitious planetary exploration missions in history, including NASA's Mars Perseverance rover.

We're now one of few companies in the world capable of delivering end-to-end Mars mission solutions including launch, spacecraft, software, and proven robotics for surface and on-orbit operations. This unique capability positions us to lead programs like Mars Sample Return mission and the Mars Telecommunications Network.

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

Another liftoff angle for 'Viva La StriX' and @synspective on Electron launch #88.

That's 9 launches with 100% mission success completed for Synspective and another 18 more to go before 2030.

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

Nine years ago today, we launched Electron for the first time.

Later this year, Electron is expected to reach 100 launches, likely making it the fastest privately developed orbital rocket to hit that milestone.

From “It’s a test” to one of the world’s highest cadence launch vehicles in under a decade.

Here's a little walk down memory lane from that first historic launch.

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

The interstage achieved qualification load (approximately 125% of flight load) but ultimately tested to failure. Not part of the plan, but not entirely unexpected either as we validate design margins. This result gives us added conviction to the overall design and hardware for the next one, which is already in the factory. Currently, no expected impact to schedule.

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

Constellation deployment made simple with Electron: frequent launches, proven reliability, and precision on orbit 🛰️✨

Mission success once again for @synspective on Electron's 88th launch. Nine missions complete and 18 more to go to finish Synspective's SAR constellation by 2030.

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

@synspective MISSION SUCCESS: Payload deployment confirmed for 'Viva La StriX'! Welcome to orbit once again for @synspective

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

LIFTOFF! Electron is on its way to space once again for @Synspective🚀

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

@synspective Successful SECO confirmed and nominal transfer orbit achieved for @synpective. Up next: StriX payload deployment expected in around 45 mins.

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

We're LIVE with the webcast for our 88th launch: "Viva La StriX" for @Synspective https://t.co/T4BBdQZHmv

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

Propellant loading is underway for tonight's 'Viva La StriX' Electron launch⛽ ~T-2 hours until liftoff.
Live webcast begins at T-20 mins.

Launch window opens:
🚀 9:30 pm NZT
🚀 09:30 UTC
🚀 6:30 pm JST
🚀 5:30 am EDT
🚀 2:30 am PDT

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

~2 hours to launch for 'Viva La StriX' - our ninth dedicated launch for @synspective's SAR constellation in LEO. Electron has been Synspective's sole launch provider since 2020, with another 18 missions scheduled to complete the constellation by 2030.

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

Electron is vertical on the launch pad for 'Viva La StriX' and @synspective. ~3 hours until liftoff! 🚀

Launch window opens:
🚀 9:30 pm NZT
🚀 09:30 UTC
🚀 6:30 pm JST
🚀 5:30 am EDT
🚀 2:30 am PDT

[Rocket Lab @RocketLab]

Weather is favorable for launch this evening as the sun begins to set over LC-1 in Mahia. Launch vehicle, range, and ground systems teams are getting ready to raise Electron vertical on the pad for tonight's 88th launch, scheduled for NET 9:30pm NZT/ 09:30 UTC.