Rocket Lab ElectronElectron is a two-stage, expendable orbital launch vehicle developed by Rocket Lab, a publicly traded aerospace manufacturer and launch service provider. Servicing the commercial small satellite launch market, it is the third most launched small-lift launch vehicle in history. Its Rutherford engines are the first electric-pump-fed engine to power an orbital-class rocket. Electron is often flown with a kickstage or Rocket Lab's Photon spacecraft.
Rocket Lab NeutronNeutron is a partially reusable, medium-lift, two-stage launch vehicle under development by Rocket Lab. Announced on March 1, 2021, the vehicle is designed to be capable of delivering a payload of 13,000 kg (28,700 lb) to low Earth orbit in a partially reusable configuration, and will focus on the growing megaconstellationsatellite delivery market. First launch is expected no earlier than the last quarter of 2026. DesignNeutron is designed to be partially reusable.
Small-lift launch vehicleA small-lift launch vehicle is a rocket orbital launch vehicle that is capable of lifting 2,000 kilograms (4,400 lb) or less (by NASA classification) or under 5,000 kilograms (11,000 lb) (by Roscosmos classification) of payload into low Earth orbit (LEO). Small launch vehicles can meet the requirements of some spacecraft and can be less expensive than a larger launch vehicle would be. The next larger category is medium-lift launch vehicles.
Small satelliteA small satellite, miniaturized satellite, or smallsat, is a satellite of low mass and size, usually under 1,200 kg (2,600 lb). While all such satellites can be referred to as "small", different classifications are used to categorize them based on mass. Satellites can be built small to reduce the large economic cost of launch vehicles and the costs associated with construction.List of launch service providersA launch service provider or launch vehicle provider is a type of company that delivers a payload into space, including the delivery of satellites, spacecraft, cargo, astronauts, and potentially space tourists. Services provided may include furnishing launch vehicles, launch support, equipment and facilities, for the purpose of launching satellites into orbits or deep space.Medium-lift launch vehicleA medium-lift launch vehicle (MLV) is a rocket launch vehicle that is capable of lifting between 2,000 to 20,000 kg (4,400 to 44,100 lb) by NASA classification or between 5,000 to 20,000 kilograms (11,000 to 44,000 lb) by Russian classification of payload into low Earth orbit (LEO). An MLV is between a small-lift launch vehicle and a heavy-lift launch vehicle.
Satellite constellationA satellite constellation is a group of artificial satellites working together as a system. Unlike a single satellite, a constellation can provide permanent global or near-global coverage, such that at any time everywhere on Earth at least one satellite is visible. Satellites are typically placed in sets of complementary orbital planes and connect to globally distributed ground stations. They may also use inter-satellite communication.
Reusable launch vehicleVehicles that can go to space and returnRecovery of Falcon 9 first-stage booster after its first landing
Sub-orbital spaceflightA sub-orbital spaceflight is a spaceflight in which the vehicle reaches outer space, but its trajectory intersects the surface of the gravitating body from which it was launched. Hence, it will not complete one orbital revolution, will not become an artificial satellite nor will it reach escape velocity.
Aerospace manufacturerAn aerospace manufacturer is a company or individual involved in the various aspects of designing, building, testing, selling, and maintaining aircraft, aircraft parts, missiles, rockets, or spacecraft. Aerospace is a high technology industry. The aircraft industry is the industry supporting aviation by building aircraft and manufacturing aircraft parts for their maintenance. This includes aircraft and parts used for civil aviation and military aviation.
Interplanetary spaceflightInterplanetary spaceflight or interplanetary travel is spaceflight (crewed or uncrewed) between planets within a single planetary system. Spaceflights become interplanetary by accelerating spacecraft beyond orbital speed, reaching escape velocity relative to Earth at 11.2 km/s, entering heliocentric orbit, possibly accelerating further, often by performing gravity assistflybys at Earth and other planets.
Human spaceflightSpaceflight with a crew or passengers*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.