The launch of the Electron launch vehicle carrying the American reconnaissance satellite was carried out at 08:00 Kyiv time from the cosmodrome in New Zealand.
On Thursday, August 4, Rocket Lab successfully launched an Electron launch vehicle carrying the American NROL-199 reconnaissance satellite. The company announced this on Twitter.
“Electron has successfully deployed a National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) payload into orbit. Welcome to your new home in space, NROL199!” – said the message.
MISSION SUCCESS! Electron’s Kick Stage has successfully deployed the @NatReconOfC‘s payload into orbit. Welcome to your new home in space, #NROL199! pic.twitter.com/hOOryOsATG
— RocketLab (@RocketLab) August 4, 2022
The launch of the Electron launch vehicle carrying the American reconnaissance satellite was carried out at 08:00 Kyiv time from the cosmodrome in New Zealand, reports Space.com. The satellite entered its planned orbit one hour after launch.
The launch came two days later than planned, after high winds delayed a launch attempt on August 2. Rocket Lab shut down the webcast shortly after the Electron entered orbit.
The NRO builds and operates the United States’ fleet of spy satellites. The agency typically keeps information about the activities of these satellites under wraps, and NROL-199 is no exception. There is only a vague idea of what the spacecraft will do in Earth orbit.
“The payload will help the NRO provide critical information to government agencies and decision makers monitoring international issues,” Rocket Lab wrote in the mission description, which it called the “Anti-Pod Adventure. “
Previously, China successfully launched three new satellites into space, one of which will monitor carbon in terrestrial ecosystems. The spacecraft will also provide research services in areas such as environmental protection and mapping.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.