Posted: Sun, May 18, 2025, 9:18 AM ET (1318 GMT)
NASA selected Rocket Lab to launch an astrophysics smallsat mission. NASA said Wednesday it awarded a task order to Rocket Lab to launch the Aspera mission on an Electron no sooner than the first quarter of 2026. Aspera is a 60-kilogram satellite that will observe hot gases in the vicinity of galaxies to better understand star formation. It is part of NASA's Astrophysics Pioneer program of low-cost astrophysics missions using smallsats and balloons.

Related Links:

•  SpaceNews article
•  NASA press release