
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
Mobility exercises are an important part of fitness as we age. Here are some tips - 2
Vote In favor of Your Favored Web-based Visual depiction Administration - 3
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried" - 4
Discovery of massive spider's web in Greece reveals unexpected behavior - 5
Figure out What Experience Level Means for Medical caretaker Compensation Dealings
6 Eyewear Brands Worth Purchasing
The ‘Stranger Things’ finale, explained: What happens to Vecna? And why was a key character’s fate left unknown?
‘We are the alternative’: Anti-Hamas Gaza militia tells BBC group is receiving international support
Vote in favor of Your Fantasy Vehicle: Which Notable Model Catches Your Heart?
A definitive Manual for Well known Fragrances
Don’t let food poisoning crash your Thanksgiving dinner
Venezuelan President Maduro arrives in New York following U.S. capture: Full coverage
Impact of NIH funding reductions felt in cancer and infectious disease trials
Apartment Turned Into Nightmare 'Ice Castle' After Tenant Shut Off Heat Causing Pipes to Burst: VIDEO













