spacetoday.net: Rocket Lab successfully launches Electron

Rocket Lab successfully launches Electron

Posted: Sun, Jan 28, 2018, 10:36 AM ET (1536 GMT)
Rocket Lab Electron launch, January 2018 (Rocket Lab)

Rocket Lab's Electron rocket reached orbit for the first time after a launch January 20. The Electron launched from the company's site in New Zealand at 8:43 pm EST (0143 GMT Jan. 21), after range and technical issues scrubbed a launch attempt Friday night. The company called the launch a success, placing three cubesats for Planet and Spire into orbit. The launch was the second for the small rocket after a telemetry problem during the rocket's inaugural flight in May 2017 caused it to be destroyed by range safety. The company said its next launch will be in the "coming months" but did not disclose a customer for that mission.