Defense Speak Interpreted: Is There Still a CHIPS Act?
Beyond the Board: Empowering the Next Generation of Tech Innovators in Electronics
The Government Circuit: Trump’s Trade War Disrupts the Electronics Ecosystem
Rocket Lab Successfully Launches 35th Electron Seven Days After Previous Launch
March 27, 2023 | Business WireEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Rocket Lab USA, Inc., a leading launch and space systems company, announced it has successfully launched its 35th Electron rocket, deploying two multi-spectral Gen-2 satellites to low Earth orbit for BlackSky through launch services provider Spaceflight, Inc. The mission took place just seven days following the Company’s previous Electron mission from Launch Complex 2 in Virginia, setting a new company record for fastest turnaround between Electron missions.
The mission, named “The Beat Goes On,” lifted off at 09:14 UTC, 24 March 2023 from Pad B at Launch Complex 1, Rocket Lab’s private launch site on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula.
"Electron has repeatedly proven itself as a reliable constellation builder and today we’re proud to deliver mission success once again for BlackSky and Spaceflight after many previous missions together,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck. “Launching two successful missions just seven days apart from two different hemispheres is a real demonstration of responsive space in action, and successfully splashing down Electron’s first stage as part of our reusability program is the icing on the cake.”
“The Beat Goes On” was Rocket Lab’s seventh launch for BlackSky since 2019, helping to build out BlackSky’s growing real-time geospatial intelligence constellation.
In addition to delivering BlackSky’s satellites to orbit, Rocket Lab accomplished a successful ocean splashdown of Electron’s first stage in an effort to make Electron the world’s first reusable orbital small launch vehicle. The first stage will now be transported back to Rocket Lab’s production complex for assessment, testing and requalification to inform future recovery missions. Pending the outcome of these assessments Rocket Lab may choose to proceed with marine operations as the primary recovery method, opting to transition away from helicopter use.
Rocket Lab is on track this year to surpass its launch record of nine launches set in 2022 with 15 planned launches. Upcoming disclosed Electron missions in 2023 include two launches for the NASA TROPICS constellation, the first of five dedicated missions for Internet-of-Things (IoT) connectivity provider Kinéis; several launches for Capella Space, and the launch of a mission to demonstrate space debris removal technology by Astroscale Japan.
Share on:
Suggested Items
GKN Aerospace Delivers First High Voltage EWIS System for Clean Aviation’s SWITCH Project
06/16/2025 | GKN AerospaceGKN Aerospace has completed and delivered the first high voltage Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) for the Clean Aviation SWITCH project.
RTX's Collins Aerospace Expands Aircraft Electrification Capabilities in Europe
06/12/2025 | RTXCollins Aerospace, an RTX business, expanded its aircraft electrification capabilities with the introduction of a new engineering center of excellence in Wolverhampton, UK, and a new electric thrust reverser actuation systems (elecTRAS) production line in Colomiers, France.
BAE Systems, Hanwha Systems Sign MOU to Develop an Advanced Multi-Sensor Satellite System
06/12/2025 | BAE SystemsBAE Systems and Hanwha Systems have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop technology and collaborative working to deliver a multi-sensor satellite system for international markets.
AST SpaceMobile Set to Join the U.S. Large-Cap Russell 1000® Index Share
06/10/2025 | BUSINESS WIREAST SpaceMobile, Inc., the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, announced it is set to join the U.S. large-cap Russell 1000® Index, effective after the U.S. market closes on June 27, as part of the 2025 Russell indexes reconstitution.
BAE Systems Awarded $1.2B Contract for U.S. Space Force Missile Warning and Tracking Satellite System
06/10/2025 | BAE SystemsBAE Systems has been awarded a $1.2 billion contract by U.S. Space Systems Command to provide the U.S. Space Force with missile tracking satellite capabilities.