Rocket Lab Catch Me If You Can (MATS) Electron
Rocket Launch Video Stream
About the Catch Me If You Can (MATS) Mission
- 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.
Launch Pad & Location
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
The Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B launch pad has hosted 36 rocket launches, including 36 orbital launch attempts. The Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand launch site has been the location for 76 total rocket launches.
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 is a commercial spaceport located close to Ahuriri Point at the southern tip of Māhia Peninsula, on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It is owned and operated by private spaceflight company Rocket Lab and supports launches of the company's Electron rocket for small satellites. With the launch of Electron on 25 May 2017, it became the first private spaceport to host an orbital launch attempt, and the first site in New Zealand to host an orbital launch attempt. With the Electron launch of 21 January 2018, it became the first private spaceport to host a successful orbital launch.
Rocket Lab Electron Rocket
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.
Booster Landing & Recovery
Core 32
Helicopter capture of the Electron first stage was not achieved. Reusable booster 32 last flew on 11/04/2022 and has completed 0 successful launch and landing missions. 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.
About 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Rocket Lab Electron Catch Me If You Can (MATS) launch scheduled?
The Rocket Lab Electron Catch Me If You Can (MATS) launch was scheduled for:
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Where can I watch the Rocket Lab Electron Catch Me If You Can (MATS) launch video?
You can watch the Rocket Lab Electron launch video on this page. The official video includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary covering pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, and payload deployment.
Where did the Rocket Lab Electron Catch Me If You Can (MATS) mission launch from?
The Rocket Lab Electron rocket launched from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B at Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand. Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 is a commercial spaceport located close to Ahuriri Point at the southern tip of Māhia Peninsula, on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It is owned and operated by private spaceflight company Rocket Lab and supports launches of the company's Electron rocket for small satellites. With the launch of Electron on 25 May 2017, it became the first private spaceport to host an orbital launch attempt, and the first site in New Zealand to host an orbital launch attempt. With the Electron launch of 21 January 2018, it became the first private spaceport to host a successful orbital launch.
What rocket was used for the Catch Me If You Can (MATS) mission?
The Catch Me If You Can (MATS) mission launched aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket. 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. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
Did the Rocket Lab Electron booster for Catch Me If You Can (MATS) attempt a landing?
Yes, the Electron first stage booster attempted a Helicopter Catch at a designated landing zone. Booster recovery allows Rocket Lab to reuse rocket components, significantly reducing launch costs. Learn more about the landing details.
What weather conditions could have delayed the Rocket Lab Electron Catch Me If You Can (MATS) launch?
The Rocket Lab Electron Catch Me If You Can (MATS) launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the Rocket Lab Electron Catch Me If You Can (MATS) launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Rocket Lab Electron launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Catch Me If You Can (MATS) mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official Rocket Lab live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.