
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
Rocket Lab launched a satellite for a mystery customer on Thursday morning (Nov. 20).
The liftoff, which occurred at 7:43 a.m. EST (1243 GMT) from Rocket Lab's New Zealand site, came as something of a surprise. The company formally announced the impending launch of its workhorse Electron rocket less than five hours ahead of time.
The mission, called "Follow My Speed" was a complete success, Rocket Lab announced via X on Thursday morning.
"Today's 'Follow My Speed' mission marks 18 launches with 100% mission success for 2025 — more than any other year in Electron's history — making our rocket the most frequently flown orbital small launch vehicle in the world," the company said in another Thursday X post.
Fifteen of those 18 launches have been orbital missions. The other three were suborbital flights involving HASTE, a modified version of the 59-foot-tall (18-meter-tall) Electron that allows customers to test hypersonic technologies in the space environment.
We don't know much about "Follow My Speed."
Rocket Lab described the mission in vague terms only, saying that its goal was "to deploy a single satellite for a confidential commercial customer."
Keeping things so close to the vest isn't exactly odd for launch companies, who regularly loft national-security payloads or commercial satellites with sensitive, proprietary tech. Rocket Lab, for example, launched five satellites for a confidential customer just three months ago.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Your big brain makes you human – count your neurons when you count your blessings - 2
Vote in favor of your #1 Sort of Convenience for a Family - 3
How to watch the ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’ special — now streaming - 4
Native artists in Texas and Mexico shared their vision of the universe for 4,000 years, ancient murals suggest - 5
SpaceX's 1st 'Version 3' Super Heavy Starship booster buckles under pressure during initial tests
6 Objections for an Ocean side Wedding
Famous Restroom Beautifying Styles For 2024
Hubble sees spiral galaxy in Lion's heart | Space photo of the day for Nov. 4
Vote In favor of Your Favored Language Interpretation Administration
The Best Music Collections of the 10 years
Examination In progress into Abuse of Japanese Government-Supported Advance
Intriguing Social Unesco World Legacy Locales All over The Planet
Monetary Freedom Guide: Plan Your Future
Manageable Living: Eco-Accommodating Decisions for Regular day to day existence













