
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
The most effective method to Explore Moral Situations in Brain research with Your Certification17.10.2023 - 2
Electric discovery on Mars! Scientists find tiny lightning bolts coming from Red Planet dust clouds01.12.2025 - 3
Criminal Guard Lawyer Expenses: What Would it be advisable for you to Hope to Pay?30.06.2023 - 4
A definitive Manual for Internet Mastering and Expertise Improvement01.01.1 - 5
10 Activities to Lift Your Consume and Bust Your Stomach05.06.2024
Santa's sleigh or the International Space Station? How to spot a bright Christmas flyby Dec. 24 and 25
Saturn shines with the waxing moon at sunset on Nov. 29
I binged all 24 Hallmark Christmas movies in less than 30 days. I emerged a changed man.
Nikki Glaser returns as host of the 2026 Golden Globes: Everything the comedian has said about the upcoming awards show
Federal judge upholds Hawaii's new climate change tax on cruise passengers
Aluminum salts emerge as likely target as health officials scrutinize childhood vaccines
Wedding trip Objections in the US
Protest inspired by 'Gen Z' movement draws few young people in Mexico and many government critics
Solid Living Tips: Experiences from a Wellness Fan












