Rocket Lab Curveball HASTE
Trajectory
Trajectory profiles are typically finalized by the range a week prior to launch. Check back here for the trajectory and launch visibility map as the launch window approaches.
About the Curveball Mission
- Type: Government/Top Secret
- Orbit: Suborbital
- Launch Cost: $6,000,000
Sub-orbital launch under Rocket Lab’s Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron (HASTE) program, details TBD.
Launch Pad & Location
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 (Launch Area 0 C)
Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA
The Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 (Launch Area 0 C) launch pad has hosted 12 rocket launches, including 4 orbital launch attempts. The Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA launch site has been the location for 86 total rocket launches.
Wallops Flight Facility is a rocket launch site on Wallops Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, United States, just east of the Delmarva Peninsula and north-northeast of Norfolk. The facility is operated by the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and primarily serves to support science and exploration missions for NASA and other federal agencies. WFF includes an extensively instrumented range to support launches of more than a dozen types of sounding rockets; small expendable suborbital and orbital rockets; high-altitude balloon flights carrying scientific instruments for atmospheric and astronomical research; and, using its Research Airport, flight tests of aeronautical research aircraft, including uncrewed aerial vehicles.
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.
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 is the Rocket Lab Electron Curveball launch scheduled?
The Rocket Lab Electron Curveball launch is currently scheduled for:
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Launch times are subject to change based on weather conditions, technical readiness, and range availability. Check back regularly for the most up-to-date launch time and status updates.
Where is the Rocket Lab Electron Curveball mission launching from?
The Rocket Lab Electron rocket will launch from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 (Launch Area 0 C) at Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA. Wallops Flight Facility is a rocket launch site on Wallops Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, United States, just east of the Delmarva Peninsula and north-northeast of Norfolk. The facility is operated by the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and primarily serves to support science and exploration missions for NASA and other federal agencies. WFF includes an extensively instrumented range to support launches of more than a dozen types of sounding rockets; small expendable suborbital and orbital rockets; high-altitude balloon flights carrying scientific instruments for atmospheric and astronomical research; and, using its Research Airport, flight tests of aeronautical research aircraft, including uncrewed aerial vehicles. For viewing location recommendations and tips, check the launch location details above.
What rocket is being used for the Curveball mission?
The Curveball mission will launch 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.
What weather conditions could delay the Rocket Lab Electron Curveball launch?
The Rocket Lab Electron Curveball launch can be 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. Check the launch weather forecast above for current conditions and probability of favorable weather.
How can I get updates if the Rocket Lab Electron Curveball launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest Rocket Lab Electron launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Curveball mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official Rocket Lab live streams for the most immediate range updates.