
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
Rocket Lab launched a satellite for a mystery customer on Thursday morning (Nov. 20).
The liftoff, which occurred at 7:43 a.m. EST (1243 GMT) from Rocket Lab's New Zealand site, came as something of a surprise. The company formally announced the impending launch of its workhorse Electron rocket less than five hours ahead of time.
The mission, called "Follow My Speed" was a complete success, Rocket Lab announced via X on Thursday morning.
"Today's 'Follow My Speed' mission marks 18 launches with 100% mission success for 2025 — more than any other year in Electron's history — making our rocket the most frequently flown orbital small launch vehicle in the world," the company said in another Thursday X post.
Fifteen of those 18 launches have been orbital missions. The other three were suborbital flights involving HASTE, a modified version of the 59-foot-tall (18-meter-tall) Electron that allows customers to test hypersonic technologies in the space environment.
We don't know much about "Follow My Speed."
Rocket Lab described the mission in vague terms only, saying that its goal was "to deploy a single satellite for a confidential commercial customer."
Keeping things so close to the vest isn't exactly odd for launch companies, who regularly loft national-security payloads or commercial satellites with sensitive, proprietary tech. Rocket Lab, for example, launched five satellites for a confidential customer just three months ago.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Arctic sea ice hits lowest winter level as unprecedented heat hits smashes records all over Earth - 2
You finally got a doctor's appointment. Here's how to get the most out of it - 3
One perk to marrying Richard Marx later in life? 'We don't have time' for stupid arguments, says Daisy Fuentes. - 4
This Week In Space podcast: Episode 189 — Privatizing Orbit - 5
35 million tons of food go to waste yearly in the US. Experts share tips to help stop it
The most effective method to Augment Benefits in Gold Speculation: Systems and Tips
Philippines evacuates 3,000 villagers after volcano activity raises alert level
Arctic sea ice just dropped to an alarming new low
Landon Donovan knew he couldn’t hide his hair loss. So he turned to fans for help.
Midlife weight gain can start long before menopause – but you can take steps early on to help your body weather the hormonal shift
Figure out How to Forestall Tooth Staining
Italy's Beloved Trevi Fountain Hides A Unique Secret That Can Be Explored Underground
Al-Sharaa denies he called for 80% of Syrians to return from Germany
'Pluribus' release date: Everything you need to know about the new series from 'Better Call Saul's' co-creator













