Rocket Lab's Second Electron Launch from Virginia Carries Capella Space Satellites
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Rocket Lab launched its second Electron rocket from Virginia on March 16, placing two Capella Space radar imaging satellites into orbit.
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The Electron lifted off from Launch Complex 2 at Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island, Virginia, at 6:38 pm Eastern after being delayed due to poor weather conditions.
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The Electron was carrying two synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging satellites built and operated by Capella Space on a mission called “stronger together” by Rocket Lab.
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The kick stage delivered the 100-kilogram satellites into a 600-kilometer circular orbit at an inclination of 44 degrees, deploying them nearly 58 minutes after lift-off.
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This launch is the second this year for Rocket Lab, with a total of up to 15 Electron launches expected this year from both Virginia and New Zealand.
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Rocket Lab recently signed a new multi-launch contract with Capella Space to launch four Electrons in rapid succession, each carrying one satellite of Capella’s new Acadia series of SAR spacecraft.
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Richard French, director of business development and strategy for Rocket Lab’s space systems unit, confirmed that there are no plans for Neutron to replace Electron, while Rocket Lab is working on the larger Neutron rocket.
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Rocket Lab expects increasing demand for the Electron rocket, and it has a strong manifest for upcoming launches.
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The next Electron launch is scheduled to take place later in March from New Zealand, where Rocket Lab will carry two optical imaging satellites for BlackSky under a multi-launch contract arranged through Spaceflight.
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