
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
Mickey Lee of 'Big Brother' fame dead at 35 after flu complications, family says - 2
Defense Minister Katz finally condemns Jewish extremist violence against Palestinians - 3
Bondi Beach survivor criticizes police for inaction during terror attack - 4
Qatar, Ireland accuse Israel of using chemical weapons on Palestinians, demand watchdog probe use - 5
The many ways that baking is winter therapy. With a delicious ending
Carry Nature Inside with These Staggering Plant Decisions
Energy agency chief warns of 'black April' for oil supplies
Instructions to Warmly greet Certainty and Appeal
Father and son spending Christmas together after health scares
10 Moves toward Start Your Own Effective Business
November Lease Deals for the 2025 Kia EV6 are Too Good to Pass Up
Well known SUVs With Low Energy Utilization In 2024 vote
Nepal’s youngest premier sworn in after releasing new rap song about unity
Israel’s 'Stonehenge’ not alone with near 30 similar sites, satellite imagery reveals













