Rocket Lab Experiences Anomaly on 41st Electron Launch
Capella Space Acadia Satellite Lost
Rocket Lab experienced an issue with the 'We Will Never Desert You' mission, resulting in the loss of the Capella Space payload.
"Our next mission, currently scheduled before the end of the third quarter, will be postponed while we implement corrective actions."
Rocket Lab company statement
The company released a statement indicating that following lift-off from Launch Complex 1, the rocket successfully completed a first stage burn and stage separation as planned, before an issue was experienced at around T+ 2 minutes and 30 seconds into flight, resulting in the end of the mission.
The company is working closely with the FAA and supporting agencies as the investigation into the root cause commences. The Electron rocket has previously delivered 171 satellites to orbit across 37 successful orbital missions. We will identify the issue swiftly and implement corrective actions and return to the pad shortly.
'We Will Never Desert You' was carrying a Capella Space Acadia SAR satellite, the second of Capella’s third-generation SAR Acadia satellites intended for low Earth orbit. It was Rocket Lab’s third launch for Capella in 2023, and second launch in a multi-launch contract of four missions.
"Our next mission, currently scheduled before the end of the third quarter, will be postponed while we implement corrective actions. We anticipate providing revised third quarter revenue guidance in the coming days," the company said in the statement.