There and Back Again (Rideshare)
Electron
Rocket Lab
Rocket Launch Videos
Mission
There and Back Again (Rideshare)
- Type: Dedicated Rideshare
- Orbit: Sun-Synchronous Orbit
- Launch Cost: $6,000,000
Commercial rideshare mission including payloads for Alba Orbital, Astrix Astronautics, Aurora Propulsion Technologies, E-Space, Spaceflight Inc, Swarm Technologies and UNSEENLABS.
Location
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1A
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1A has witnessed the launch of 37 rockets, including 37 orbital launch attempts. While Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand, has been the site for 71 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
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.
Landing
Core 26
Rocket lab successfully caught the Electron first stage, however due to different load characteristics than were experienced during testing the pilot dropped the stage at his discretion to complete a successful splashdown. Booster 26 last launched 05/02/2022 and has seen 0 successful launches and landings. First stage used for Electron's 26th flight (There and Back Again).
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.
Agency
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 There and Back Again (Rideshare) launch scheduled?
The Rocket Lab Electron There and Back Again (Rideshare) launch was scheduled for:
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Where can I watch the Rocket Lab Electron There and Back Again (Rideshare) 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 There and Back Again (Rideshare) mission launch from?
The Rocket Lab Electron rocket launched from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1A 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 There and Back Again (Rideshare) mission?
The There and Back Again (Rideshare) 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 There and Back Again (Rideshare) 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 There and Back Again (Rideshare) launch?
The Rocket Lab Electron There and Back Again (Rideshare) 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 There and Back Again (Rideshare) 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 There and Back Again (Rideshare) 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.