
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
Manual for Picking the Ideal Wine Matching - 2
Eleven Creations And Developments That Steered History - 3
A Gustav Klimt painting is now the most expensive piece of modern art sold at auction. The fascinating history behind the $236 million 'Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer.' - 4
Understanding the Rudiments of Tree Administrations - 5
5 Great and High Evaluated Scene Configuration Administrations For 2024
The most effective method to Pick the Right Material Organization: Fundamental Tips
Rediscovering Imagination in Adulthood: Individual Creative Excursions
How did Ariana Grande get her Glinda voice? I’m the man behind the magic.
Monetary Wellness: Planning Tips for Independence from the rat race
Vote In favor of Your Favored Kind Of Attire
Starfront Observatories: A haven for distant stargazers
Find Serenity: 10 Stunning Setting up camp Areas
The most effective method to Guarantee Scholastic Honesty in Web-based Degrees
Violence 'never part' of break-in plan, court told













