
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
Outside Lovers' Decision: Favored Climbing Rucksacks - 2
Figure out How to Function Successfully with Your Auto Collision Legal advisor for the Best Result - 3
Italy's Beloved Trevi Fountain Hides A Unique Secret That Can Be Explored Underground - 4
Viable Tips for Seniors to Purchase a Minimal expense Jeep Wrangler - 5
Dominating the Mastercard Endorsement Cycle: Six Fundamental Stages
Vote in favor of Your Number one kind of pie
10 Moving Design Frill for Summer 2023
Meet the Stars of the Feline World: Well known Pet Feline Varieties
Strength training is crucial after menopause. How to make the most of your workouts
Explainer-What has happened to the damaged spacecraft at China's space station?
In vogue Sleepwear Patterns for 2024
Nearly 16,000 New York City nurses prepare to strike as contract talks stall
What Yogurt Types Do You Know
UK can legally stop shadow fleet tankers, ministers believe













