Ibadan, 21 June 2024. – Rocket Lab USA, Inc has successfully launched its 50th Electron mission, deploying satellites for French Internet-of-Things (IoT) company Kinéis. The ‘No Time Toulouse’ mission lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand at 6:13 am on 21 June NZST (6:13 pm, 20 June UTC), successfully deploying five satellites to a 635 km circular orbit. Electron has reached the milestone of 50 launches faster than any commercially developed rocket in history
The mission was the first of five dedicated Electron launches for the Kinéis constellation. The Constellation seeks to enable the connecting and locating of any connected object anywhere in the world, thereby enabling data transmission to users in near-real time, at low bit rates and with very low energy consumption. Furthermore, by enabling internet connection to the Earth’s most remote locations, Kinéis constellation can support forest fire detection, water resource management, infrastructure and energy network monitoring, transport and logistics tracking, and much more.
Speaking on the mission, Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck said: “Making it to fifty launches faster than any commercially developed rocket in history is a testament to the incredible team we have behind us. Today’s precise, tailored mission for Kinéis is yet another demonstration of the value Electron continues to provide to the smallsat community.” The CEO also added, “Congratulations to our team and thank you to our customers and supporters for helping us continue to break records and set new industry standards.”
Across 50 launches Rocket Lab has deployed 190 satellites for various customers and missions, including NASA missions to the Moon, the National Reconnaissance Office and Space Force missions supporting national security and defense, scientific research to combat climate change, and commercial constellations providing vital data and services.
