Rocket Lab successfully launched a payload for an undisclosed commercial customer on November 20th, shortly after announcing the mission. The Electron rocket soared from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 7:43 a.m. Eastern. Approximately an hour later, Rocket Lab confirmed the “Follow My Speed” mission as a success. The company kept the payload details confidential, only mentioning it was a single satellite for a commercial client.
This is the third instance in under six months where Rocket Lab has opted not to reveal the customer for a commercial mission. In June, a launch carried a hidden payload later connected to EchoStar. Another launch on August 23rd transported five satellites for an unnamed customer. These satellites were subsequently identified as Calistus A through E in the Space-Track database, with Rwanda listed as the owner. This led to speculation that E-Space, a company known for filing spectrum requests through Rwanda, might be the actual owner.
Another notable aspect was the limited advance notice. Rocket Lab issued a press release for the Follow My Speed mission less than five hours before launch, although prior airspace notices hinted at an impending launch. This orbital Electron launch occurred within 48 hours of a suborbital variant, HASTE, launch from Launch Complex 2 on Wallops Island, Virginia, on November 18th. According to Rocket Lab, that launch included a payload for the Missile Defense Agency, developed by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, along with secondary payloads from government and industry, all designed to evaluate missile defense technologies.
These launches mark Rocket Lab's 18th Electron launch this year, a company record, all successful. This contrasts with other Western small vehicle developers, who typically conduct only a few launches annually. "These two launches serve as great examples of the team’s skill at delivering mission success for our customers anywhere, anytime, and no matter the mission profile," said Peter Beck, chief executive of Rocket Lab, in a statement, calling Electron “the champion of small launch globally.”