
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
Health officials report 14 Legionnaires' disease cases in Florida, gym connection suspected - 2
Ten Awesome Authentic Realities That Will Leave You Interested - 3
The Tiny Channel Island With 65 Residents That Chefs And Foodies Go Out Of Their Way To Visit - 4
Striking American and European television Projects: A Survey - 5
Germany to create restitution council to return colonia-era acquired cultural artefacts
Historic underwater structure discovered by divers off French coast
How much should a kid's birthday party cost? One mom spent $190 for pizza and ice cream at a park. Another paid $2K for a playspace and goodie bags.
Figure out How to Forestall Tooth Staining
Eating ultra-processed foods could raise precancerous polyp risk for women under 50, according to research
Factbox-China's crewed lunar programme eyes astronaut landing by 2030
Catholic influencer shares death of 5-year-old son from 'severe' flu
Vote In favor of Your Favored Occasion Arranging Administration
Abbott issues US device correction for some glucose monitors over faulty readings risk
Find the Specialty of Calligraphy: Dominating the Exquisite Art of Penmanship













