Rocket Lab confirms another night launch

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

The countdown is on for a second night-time launch by Rocket Lab.

Rocket Lab has confirmed a 14-day launch window from June 27 for its latest mission from the Launch Complex 1 site at Onenui Station, Mahia.

The mission was procured by satellite rideshare and mission management provider Spaceflight. It is Rocket Lab’s seventh Electron launch and the third for 2019.

Spaceflight chief executive Curt Blake said the launch would be the first of five missions with Rocket Lab this year.

“We’re looking forward to not only our inaugural flight with Rocket Lab, but a long-term partnership to increase access to space via frequent launches. Having the Electron in our arsenal of small launch vehicles provides our customers with a low-cost, flexible option to get on orbit.”

The mission is named Make it Rain — a nod to the high volume of rainfall in Seattle, where Spaceflight is headquartered.

Satellites on the mission include BlackSky’s Global-3, two US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Prometheus, Melbourne Space Program’s ACRUX-1, two Swarm SpaceBEEs, and an undisclosed customer.

A Rocket Lab spokeswoman said the launch window would likely open in the afternoon or evening.

Rocket Lab last month successfully launched its first night flight from Mahia.