Contract to Orbit in Less Than 10 Weeks
Rocket Lab Launches 54th Electron Mission
The 54th Electron mission to be launched by Rocket Lab carried a payload into space for a "confidential" customer. The mission was Rocket Lab’s 12th Electron launch this year, continuing to best the Company’s previous record of 10 annual launches achieved in 2023. Electron remains the world’s third most frequently launched rocket annually by vehicle type, and the United States’ second most frequently launched rocket annually.
"Now 12 for 12 this year across commercial, civil, and national security missions, I’m proud of the team."
Sir Peter Beck, Rocket Lab
The ‘Changes in Attitudes, Changes in Latitudes’ mission launched from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand at 11:54 pm on November 5th, 2024, less than ten weeks from the mission’s launch contract signing, making it one of the Company’s fastest turnarounds yet from contract to launch.
Historically, it was typical to take years from contract signing to launch, causing bottlenecks and limited launch opportunities for satellite operators. Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket revolutionized this by making it possible for customers to book and launch in just weeks, enabling them to test technologies faster, begin generating revenue from constellations earlier, or gather urgent data from orbit at near on-demand timelines. This business model is enabled by standardized rapid production of Electron launch vehicles, responsive launch sites, proven and established launch systems, and an experienced team capable of delivering rapid call-up launch year-round.
“Another successful launch showcasing all the best attributes of the Rocket Lab team and Electron: a streamlined process from contract to orbit, pinpoint deployment accuracy, and a responsive service tailored exactly to the customer’s needs," said Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck. "Now 12 for 12 this year across commercial, civil, and national security missions, I’m proud of the team for delivering launch after launch as we continue to deliver a record year across launch and space systems.”