Electron.

Rocket Lab's small dedicated-launch vehicle. Carbon-composite structure, electric-pump Rutherford engines. Payload to SSO: ~200 kg. Booster recovery via parachute splashdown or helicopter mid-air catch.

Every Electron launch is independently confirmed by LaunchDetect from NOAA GOES or JMA Himawari geostationary thermal infrared imagery within 30 to 90 seconds of ignition.

Vehicle facts

OperatorRocket Lab
CountryUS/NZ
First flight2017
StatusActive
ClassSmall-lift partially reusable
Primary padsLC-1A Mahia (New Zealand), LC-1B Mahia, LC-2 Wallops
See detected launches →