
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
Doritos and Cheetos dial back the bright orange in new versions without artificial ingredients - 2
MacArthur Foundation awards $100M to outbreak surveillance network, a boost amid global health cuts - 3
Find the Specialty of Calligraphy: Dominating the Exquisite Art of Penmanship - 4
Exploring the Gig Economy: Illustrations from Consultants - 5
Without evidence, CDC changes messaging on vaccines and autism
Starfront Observatories: A haven for distant stargazers
What’s the shadowy organisation taking Gaza Palestinians to South Africa?
Kids with smartphones by age 12 are at higher risk of health issues, study finds
Nutrient Rich Organic products: Lift Your Wellbeing
Well known SUVs With Low Energy Utilization In 2024
African nations push to recognize crimes of colonialism in Algeria
BravoCon 2025: How to watch, full schedule and lineup, where to stream free and more
Robyn returns to music with 'Dopamine,' her 1st single in 7 years: 'Came to save music once again'
Involved Vehicles for Seniors: Track down the Best Picks for Solace and Dependability












