
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
France will build a new aircraft carrier as it increases defense spending - 2
Motivational Travel Objections for History Buffs - 3
Must-See Attractions in Washington, D.C. - 4
Brazil approves law strengthening protective measures for female victims of gender-based violence - 5
From Fledgling to Master: Self-awareness in a Side interest
Study finds humans were making fire 400,000 years ago, far earlier than once thought
Evidence of lost baptismal rite stage uncovered in Byzantine era cathedral near Sea of Galilee
Pedal Power: Divulging Well known Bike Brands for Each Cyclist
Vote in favor of Your Number one Smartwatch: Exactness and Style Matter
NASA releases stunning new images captured by the Artemis II moon mission, including 'Earthset' and a solar eclipse from space
10 Setting up camp Shelters That Offer Both Excellence and Isolation
Find the Standards of Powerful Cooperation: Accomplishing Cooperative energy and Coordinated effort
What's your #1 tone
Vote in favor of your Favored sort of footwear













