Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company and launch service provider, specializing in small satellite launches with its Electron rocket, which has launched 63 times as of April 2025. They are also developing the larger Neutron rocket for constellation deployment. Rocket Lab provides complete space solutions including satellite design and manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management, serving commercial, civil, and defense markets, with major partners including NASA and the US Space Force. Key products include the Electron and Neutron rockets, Photon satellite bus, and various satellite components.
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Rocket Lab will use Launch Complex 2 at Wallops Island, Virginia for the two TROPICS launches.
Rocket Lab characterized its 2022-11-04 launch as a heavily subsidized research and development flight to test rocket reusability that attempted a mid-air booster catch but recovered the booster from the ocean after a loss of telemetry.
Rocket Lab will deliver the TROPICS cubesats to their operational orbit within a 60-day period.
Rocket Lab plans a second Electron launch from LC-2 in January for an undisclosed commercial constellation customer.
NASA awarded a task order to Rocket Lab through the Venture-class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) contract on 2022-11-23 for the launch of the remaining TROPICS satellites on two Electron vehicles during a 60-day period no earlier than 2023-05-01.
Rocket Lab completed the final dress rehearsal for its inaugural LC-2 launch on 2022-11-21 and scheduled the launch no earlier than 2022-12-07, dependent on NASA completing certification of the autonomous flight termination system.
Rocket Lab plans four to six of its projected 2023 Electron launches to take place from LC-2.
Rocket Lab lists the current average price for an Electron launch as $7,000,000 to $7,500,000.
NASA selected Rocket Lab USA, Inc. to launch the TROPICS mission under the agency’s Venture-class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) launch services contract.
With Launch Complex 1 and Launch Complex 2 combined, Rocket Lab can support more than 130 launch opportunities every year.
Rocket Lab acquired Planetary Systems Corporation, a Maryland-based space hardware company, in December 2021.
Integration of HawkEye 360’s three satellites to Electron is scheduled to take place at Rocket Lab’s Integration and Control Facility in the coming days.
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 was developed to support U.S. Electron missions for government and commercial customers.
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. completed a final launch rehearsal and is ready for its first mission from U.S. soil as early as 2022-12-07.
The Wallops missions for HawkEye 360 are part of a contract that will see Rocket Lab deliver 15 satellites to low Earth orbit between late 2022 and 2024.
Rocket Lab is scheduled to launch its first Electron mission from Virginia during a launch window opening 2022-12-07 EST.
Rocket Lab will supply HawkEye 360 with separation systems produced by Planetary Systems Corporation.
Launch Complex 2 supplements Rocket Lab’s existing Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand from which 32 Electron missions have been launched.
Rocket Lab has delivered 152 satellites to orbit for customers that have included NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office, DARPA, the U.S. Space Force, and commercial constellation operators.
This launch is the first of three Electron launches for HawkEye 360 under a contract that will see Rocket Lab deliver 15 satellites to low Earth orbit between late 2022 and 2024.