Frequent and Reliable Launch for Small Satellites: Rocket Lab’s Electron Launch Vehicle and Photon Spacecraft

Abstract

With frequent orbital launches of the Electron rocket and the successful deployment of customer satellites to orbit, Rocket Lab has established itself as one the key technology innovators of the global small satellite launcher industry. Rocket Lab seeks to address major barriers currently associated with small satellites, including long lead times to launch, reaching of precise orbits, and cost reduction. These are solutions the small satellite industry has been promised for decades, but now they are a reality with Electron and other innovations now being achieved. The Electron launch vehicle is a dedicated small launcher designed to serve the small satellite market with dedicated, high-frequency launch opportunities. Having crossed the threshold into commercial operations, Rocket Lab is well positioned to identify and address the persistent and evolving challenges faced by small satellite operators seeking to reach orbit, spanning launch availability, licensing and funding models, and more.