Rocket Lab successfully completes first launch from the U.S.
Using its Electron rocket, Rocket Lab yesterday placed three smallsats into orbit, launching for the first time from Wallops Island in Virginia.
The company now has three launchpads, one in Wallops and two in New Zealand. Expect its launch pace in 2023 to ramp up to, at a minimum, once per month.
The 2023 launch race:
5 China
5 SpaceX
1 Rocket Lab
In the national rankings, the U.S. leads China, 6 to 5. No one else has yet launched, though Japan plans a launch today.
Using its Electron rocket, Rocket Lab yesterday placed three smallsats into orbit, launching for the first time from Wallops Island in Virginia.
The company now has three launchpads, one in Wallops and two in New Zealand. Expect its launch pace in 2023 to ramp up to, at a minimum, once per month.
The 2023 launch race:
5 China
5 SpaceX
1 Rocket Lab
In the national rankings, the U.S. leads China, 6 to 5. No one else has yet launched, though Japan plans a launch today.