
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
Taco Bell debuts its Baja Blast pie, and the reactions may surprise you - 2
Step by step instructions to Streamline Your Dozing Involvement in a Savvy Bed - 3
Was it a stone tool or just a rock? An archaeologist explains how scientists can tell the difference - 4
Remarkable Spots for Hot Air Swelling All over The Planet - 5
Culinary Joys: Investigating Connoisseur Cooking at Home
Wedding Guest Outraged That Bride and Groom, Who Are in Their 60s and Have Both Been Married Before, Registered for Gifts
Grasping the Elements of Medical caretaker Pay rates: Factors That Shape Your Pay
EU delays signing of Mercosur free trade deal
Taylor Momsen explains why she quit 'Gossip Girl': 'I really didn't want to be there'
Germany raises prospect of military forces to secure Ukraine peace
As tetanus vaccination rates decline, doctors worry about rising case numbers
Solid Propensities: Little Changes for a Superior Life
Figure out how to Amplify Your Open Record Reward
Winter solstice 2025 marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere today












