Rocket Lab efficiently launched a Gen-3 Earth-observing satellite tv for pc for Virginia-based BlackSky on June 2, marking one other step in private-sector house imaging. The mission, named Full Stream Ahead, lifted off aboard an Electron rocket from the corporate’s New Zealand launch advanced at 7:57 p.m. EDT (11:57 a.m. NZST on June 3). The satellite tv for pc is headed for a round orbit 292 miles (470 kilometres) above Earth. Once in place, the satellite tv for pc will bolster BlackSky’s constellation, which supplies high-resolution photos and AI-powered analytics for real-time Earth intelligence operations.
Rocket Lab Expands Role in Commercial Space With sixty fifth Electron Launch and Growing Fleet
According to Rocket Lab, this was the second of 4 scheduled Electron launches for BlackSky in 2025 and the tenth general Electron flight for the corporate, making it probably the most often used launcher in BlackSky’s deployment marketing campaign. The Electron rocket’s profitable liftoff additionally marks the seventh mission for Rocket Lab this yr and the sixty fifth complete flight. The mission contributes to the rising significance of tiny launchers in low Earth orbit servicing of economic satellite tv for pc shoppers.
Designed notably for specialist small satellite tv for pc launches, the 59-foot (18-metre) Electron spacecraft has develop into a pillar within the industrial house sector. The Gen-3 satellite tv for pc it carries will enhance BlackSky’s capability to supply quick geospatial insights, that are in demand within the humanitarian, industrial, and navy spheres.
The launch additionally highlights Rocket Lab’s broader ambitions. The firm is testing a suborbital Electron variant generally known as HASTE, designed for hypersonic automobile testing, and is concurrently creating a a lot bigger rocket, Neutron. Anticipated to launch later this yr, Neutron targets medium-lift missions, together with attainable human-rated flights sooner or later, and seeks to be partly reusable.
With back-to-back missions and increasing automobile functionality, Rocket Lab continues to place itself as a key participant within the evolving non-public spaceflight business.
