- Rocket Lab successfully launched its 40th Electron mission, deploying a satellite for Capella Space and marking several milestones in its reusability program.
- The mission featured the first successful flight of a previously flown Rutherford engine and included a successful ocean splashdown of the Electron rocket’s first stage.
Rocket Lab Achieves Milestone with Reused Engine in 40th Electron Mission
Mahia, New Zealand, August 24, 2023- Rocket Lab USA, Inc., a leading launch and space systems company, successfully launched its 40th Electron mission, further solidifying Electron’s position as a leading commercial small launch vehicle globally.
A Leap in Reusability
The mission, named ‘We Love The Nightlife,’ featured the first successful flight of a previously flown Rutherford engine. The engine had previously flown on the first stage of the ‘There and Back Again’ mission launched in May 2022 and performed on par with new Rutherford engines.
Successful Deployment and Recovery
The mission deployed Capella Space’s next-generation Acadia satellite for its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) constellation to a 640km circular low Earth orbit. Electron’s first stage returned to Earth under a parachute and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, where it will be recovered for analysis and future recovery efforts.
“Electron has played a crucial role in helping constellation operators like Capella deploy their spacecraft on time and on target,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck. “Congratulations also to our team on delivering 40 Electron launches, completing another booster recovery, and proving Rutherford engines can be flown multiple time
