Two mini-devices for remote sensing of the Earth became part of the orbital constellation.
The Electron rocket, launched from New Zealand, successfully put two BlackSky Earth remote sensing satellites into orbit. This was announced on March 24 by the carrier’s developer RocketLab.
The launch of a light two-stage rocket was held on Thursday at 22.14 local time (11.14 Kyiv time) from the Rocket Lab launch pad on the Mahia Peninsula.
The launch of the satellites into a specific orbit as part of the Beat Goes On mission took place about an hour after the launch of the rocket.
The first stage, after separating from the Electron, splashed down into the Pacific Ocean using a parachute system. He will be taken out of the water by a special rescue vessel.
The mini-satellites weighing about 55 kg each became part of the BlackSky orbital constellation, which now consists of 16 spacecraft. They allow obtaining optical images with a resolution of 50-90 cm from a height of 450 km.
Just seven days after our last launch, Electron once again delivered mission success. Two launches from two continents just days apart – that’s responsive access to space. #The loser goes to pic.twitter.com/WmphQY1qbi
— RocketLab (@RocketLab) March 24, 2023
Note that Rocket Lab, following the example of SpaceX, intends to organize many launches of the first stage of the rocket, which will significantly reduce their cost. Now the cost of the launch is from 4.9 to 6.6 million dollars, which is less than launching cargo into orbit using medium and heavy rockets.
It can be recalled that the Electron rocket made its first flight in May 2017. Considering the current launch, the company has launched 159 devices into orbit.
It was previously reported that the world’s first light methane launch vehicle Terran 1, 85% of which parts were created on a 3D printer, could not enter the planned orbit due to a second stage engine failure.
Rocket Lab launches two Capella satellites into orbit
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Source: korrespondent
I am Ben Stock, a passionate and experienced digital journalist working in the news industry. At the Buna Times, I write articles covering technology developments and related topics. I strive to provide reliable information that my readers can trust. My research skills are top-notch, as well as my ability to craft engaging stories on timely topics with clarity and accuracy.