Rocket Lab is gearing up to launch its Electron rocket for the 50th time, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey. This mission, dubbed ‘No Time Toulouse,’ will deploy a 25-satellite constellation for French IoT company Kinéis, a key step in Rocket Lab’s expansion into the satellite deployment sector. The launch is scheduled for June 21st from New Zealand, weather permitting.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is preparing for the launch of its Advanced Composite Solar Sail System mission on Wednesday, April 24. The spacecraft, which will be carried by Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket, is set to launch from New Zealand at 3:30 am IST. The solar sail, which is about the size of an oven, will be deployed 25 minutes after liftoff and will measure approximately 80 square meters. The mission’s initial phase will last for a couple of months, during which time the solar sail will be set in. The sail will propel the spacecraft by redirecting solar particles toward it. The mission team will conduct a series of pointing maneuvers in the next few weeks after launch to demonstrate orbit raising and lowering of the CubeSat using sunlight. The solar-powered spacecraft will be visible like the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius, if the orientation achieved is perfect. The success of the mission will reduce reliance on heavy propulsion systems and enable lower-cost missions of longer duration.
Rocket Lab is a private space company founded in 2006 with a mission to democratize access to space. The company’s Electron launch vehicle has successfully deployed over 180 satellites into orbit, making it a major player in the small satellite industry. Rocket Lab is also developing the Neutron rocket, a reusable launch vehicle designed to deploy large spacecraft and satellite constellations. In addition to its launch services, Rocket Lab offers a range of spacecraft design and manufacturing services, making it a comprehensive end-to-end space company.
