
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
My Excursion to a Better Way of life: Health Experiences - 2
Well known SUVs With Low Energy Utilization In 2024 - 3
Figure out How to Protect Your Gold Venture from Unpredictability - 4
Electric Vehicles for Eco-Accommodating Driving - 5
Strength training is crucial after menopause. How to make the most of your workouts
The Fate of Mechanical technology: 5 Headways Forming Tomorrow
Yasser Abu Shabab's killing raises questions about Israel's militia strategy in Gaza
The Response to Independence from the rat race: Methodologies for Creating Financial momentum
Figure out how to Keep up with Your Dental Inserts for Long haul Achievement
Hamas set to elect new terror leader with Hayya, Mashaal in pole position
Figuring out the Business venture Code: The Response to Building an Effective Startup
Surging measles cases are 'fire alarm' warning that other diseases could be next
Remote Headphones: Upgrade Your Sound Insight
New movies to watch this week: See 'Marty Supreme' in theaters, rent 'Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,' stream 'Cover-Up' on Netflix













