Rocket Labs launches second Electron It’s Business Time
Rocket Lab has successfully carried out its first commercial launch, establishing a dominant position in the fast-growing market for flying small satellites into orbit.
The company’s Electron rocket launched at 4:50 pm local time from the company’s New Zealand launch site on Nov 11, carrying six satellites.
The Electron—about a quarter the size of SpaceX’s 70-meter tall Falcon 9—is designed to loft cargoes weighing 150 to 225 kg (330 to 496 lb) into orbit around the earth.
The company’s nearest competitors—
Richard Branson’s Virgin Orbit;
Vector Launch, founded by former SpaceX team members;
Firefly Aerospace—now face renewed pressure to get to orbit.
Quartz
https://qz.com/1459617/rocket-labs-launches-second-electron-its-business-time/amp/
Rocket Lab performs first commercial launch – SpaceNews.com
https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-performs-first-commercial-launch/