DARPA R3D2 (Two Thumbs Up)
Electron
Rocket Lab Ltd
Mission
DARPA R3D2
Type: Communications
Launch Cost: $6,000,000
Radio Frequency Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration (R3D2) is a mission for Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). It will test a prototype reflect array antenna which is intended to improve radio communications in small spacecraft.
Location
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1A
Onenui Station, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
32 rockets have launched from Onenui Station, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand.
Rocket
Electron – Rocket Lab Ltd
Family: Electron
Length: 18 m
Diameter: 1.2 m
Launch Mass: 13 T
Low Earth Orbit Capacity: 300 kg
The Electron was manufactured by Rocket Lab Ltd with the first launch on 2017-05-25. Electron has 29 successful launches and 3 failed launches with a total of 32 launches. 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.
Agency
Rocket Lab Ltd
Type: Commercial
Abbreviation: RL
Administration: CEO: Peter Beck
Founded: 2006
Launchers: Electron
Country: USA
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. Electron currently launches from only Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand however a second launch complex in the US is under development.
