
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
Rocket Lab launched a satellite for a mystery customer on Thursday morning (Nov. 20).
The liftoff, which occurred at 7:43 a.m. EST (1243 GMT) from Rocket Lab's New Zealand site, came as something of a surprise. The company formally announced the impending launch of its workhorse Electron rocket less than five hours ahead of time.
The mission, called "Follow My Speed" was a complete success, Rocket Lab announced via X on Thursday morning.
"Today's 'Follow My Speed' mission marks 18 launches with 100% mission success for 2025 — more than any other year in Electron's history — making our rocket the most frequently flown orbital small launch vehicle in the world," the company said in another Thursday X post.
Fifteen of those 18 launches have been orbital missions. The other three were suborbital flights involving HASTE, a modified version of the 59-foot-tall (18-meter-tall) Electron that allows customers to test hypersonic technologies in the space environment.
We don't know much about "Follow My Speed."
Rocket Lab described the mission in vague terms only, saying that its goal was "to deploy a single satellite for a confidential commercial customer."
Keeping things so close to the vest isn't exactly odd for launch companies, who regularly loft national-security payloads or commercial satellites with sensitive, proprietary tech. Rocket Lab, for example, launched five satellites for a confidential customer just three months ago.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
6 Home Cleaning Administrations to Keep Your Home Unblemished - 2
The Response to Fake General Knowledge: Investigating the Eventual fate of artificial intelligence - 3
The Magnificence of Do-It-Yourself Skincare: Regular Recipes and Tips - 4
Which Film Has the Incomparable Melodic Score? - 5
Nature: 10 High priority Setting up camp Spots In Europe
The Hybrid Volkswagen ID. ERA 9X Will Become the Brand’s New Flagship in China
'A prank': Israel Police detain suspect for shooting rubber bullets at Ashkelon kindergarten
Find the Abilities Required for Advanced Advertising Position
Embracing Practical Living and Ecological Protection
The most effective method to Use an Internet Showcasing Degree for Advanced Predominance
Birds at a college changed beak shapes during the pandemic. It might be a case of rapid evolution
Trump announces 'Patriot Games' with 2 competitors from every state and territory: What we know
The Best Music Collections of the 10 years
Bother Control Administrations for 2024: Decide for Your Home












