Catch Me If You Can (MATS)

Catch Me If You Can (MATS)

• Type: Earth Science
• Orbit: Sun-Synchronous Orbit
• Launch Cost: $6,000,000

The payload is a science research satellite by space systems provider OHB Sweden for the Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA). The Mesospheric Airglow/Aerosol Tomography and Spectroscopy (MATS) satellite is the basis for the SNSA’s science mission to investigate atmospheric waves and better understand how the upper layer of Earth’s atmosphere interacts with wind and weather patterns closer to the ground. MATS was originally due to fly on a Russian launch service before the mission was manifested on Rocket Lab’s Electron.

Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B

Onenui Station, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand

Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B has witnessed the launch of 22 rockets, including 22 orbital launch attempts, while Onenui Station, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand, has been the site for 48 rocket launches.

Rocket Lab Electron

Electron is a two-stage orbital expendable launch vehicle (with an optional third stage) developed by the American aerospace company Rocket Lab. Electron is a small-lift launch vehicle designed to launch small satellites and cubesats to sun-synchronous orbit and low earth orbit. The Electron is the first orbital class rocket to use electric-pump-fed engines, powered by the 9 Rutherford engines on the first stage. It is also used as a suborbital testbed (called HASTE) for hypersonics research.

Core 32

Booster 32 last launched 11/04/2022 and has seen 0 successful launches and landings. 32nd Electron launch vehicle flown on ‘Catch Me If You Can’.

South Pacific – PAC

Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand.

Helicopter Catch – HC

The first stage is caught by a helicopter while slowly descending towards the sea under a parachute.

Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an American aerospace manufacturer with a wholly owned New Zealand subsidiary. The company develops lightweight, cost-effective commercial rocket launch services. The Electron Program was founded on the premise that small payloads such as CubeSats require dedicated small launch vehicles and flexibility not currently offered by traditional rocket systems. Its rocket, the Electron, is a light-weight rocket and is now operating commercially. The company is also producing a variety of spacecrafts and spacecrafts components.