
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
Witness the elegance of the cosmic butterfly in a remarkable telescope photo - 2
Study reveals links between global food systems, obesity, and climate change - 3
Putting pig organs in people is OK in the US, but growing human organs in pigs is not – why is that? - 4
The Delight of Camper Vans: Choosing the One That Meets Your Requirements - 5
Ferrari Cavalcade Suspended After High-Speed Crash in Argentina Involving a Purosangue
Step by step instructions to Figure out the Natural Effect of 5G Pinnacles
‘Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion’ premiere date: How to watch, channel, time, cast and more
Barry Manilow reveals lung cancer diagnosis and plans to undergo surgery: 'It's pure luck' it was 'found so early'
Figure out How to Track the Establishment of New 5G Pinnacles
Step in Style: A Survey of \Solace and Execution on the Track\ Running Shoes
Step by step instructions to Boost the Eco-friendliness of Your Smash 1500.
Step by step instructions to Shield Your Wellbeing Around 5G Pinnacles\
Knesset sets special panel to fast-track Karhi’s communications reform
The most effective method to Apply Antiquated Ways of thinking in Current Brain science Practices












