American spaceflight startup Rocket Lab announces a new launch schedule ahead of the first takeoff of its Electron rocket.
This is in line with the company's commercial spaceflight program called It's Business Time.
Rocket Lab's new window of departure is anytime between June 23 and July 6 at 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. The Electron space vehicle will take off from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, which is licensed to launch rockets every 72 hours.
The launch window, which had been initially slated for April 20 to May 3, was postponed when experts found an abnormality in the motor controller during one of the tests. The team reviewed the data, applied corrective measures, and installed additional satellites. New customers were also included in the manifest.
"It's been a really tough one to determine the root cause," said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab CEO in an interview. "It wasn't particularly obvious."
The Electron Rocket Technology
Electron's new satellites including IRVINE01, developed by the Irvine CubeSat STEM Program and NABEO, is designed and manufactured by High-Performance Space Structure Systems GmBH.
Rocket Lab worked together with Ecliptic Enterprises Corporation, a Pasadena-based supplier of onboard video and imaging systems for use in rockets and spacecraft.
According to Beck, their rocket technology is designed to meet consumer demands.
"Rocket Lab's responsive space model is crucial to support the exponential growth of the small satellite market. That a customer can come to us seeking a ride to orbit and we can have them booked to launch in weeks is unheard of in the launch business," he said.
The Rocket Lab Proposition
Beck added that small satellites have become increasingly important as it offers a myriad of services that could benefit millions of people on the planet.
Rocket Lab's goal is to primarily become a dedicated launcher for small satellites, which is why the Electron rocket measures 55 feet tall compared to SpaceX's Falcon 9 that stands at 230 feet. Furthermore, the Electron is capable of carrying up to 550 pounds of space cargo while the Falcon 9 can deliver around 50,000 pounds of cargo into the same orbit.
However, Rocket Lab's smaller space vehicles allow them to send satellites faster than their bigger counterparts. This is also the reason why the company is licensed to take off in New Zealand every three days.
The launch of It's Business Time will be covered by a live video stream, and Rocket Lab is expected to provide more updates as it nears June 23 launch date.
