Electron

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Q18471030




Electron is a two-stage, expendable orbital launch vehicle developed by Rocket Lab, an American aerospace company with a wholly owned New Zealand subsidiary. Servicing the commercial small satellite launch market, it is the third most launched small-lift launch vehicle in history. Its Rutherford engines are the first electric-pump-fed engine to power an orbital-class rocket. Electron is often flown with a kickstage or Rocket Lab's Photon spacecraft. Although the rocket was designed to be expendable, Rocket Lab has recovered the first stage twice and is working towards the capability of reusing the booster. The Flight 26 (F26) booster has featured the first helicopter catch recovery attempt. Rocket Lab has, however, abandoned the idea of catching Electron.

Dr Dava Newman, NASA Deputy Administrator visit to New Zealand, July 11-18, 2016 (28131006552)Dr Dava Newman, NASA Deputy Administrator visit to New Zealand, July 11-18, 2016 (28131006552)
Dr Dava Newman, NASA Deputy Administrator visit to New Zealand, July 11-18, 2016 (27619573814)Dr Dava Newman, NASA Deputy Administrator visit to New Zealand, July 11-18, 2016 (27619573814)
Electron Rocket DiagramElectron Rocket Diagram
Capstone LiftoffCapstone Liftoff
Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket called “PREFIRE and Ice,” lifts off from Launch Complex 1 in Māhia, New Zealand at 3:15 p.m. NZST Wednesday, June 5, 2024 (11:15 p.m.Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket called “PREFIRE and Ice,” lifts off from Launch Complex 1 in Māhia, New Zealand at 3:15 p.m. NZST Wednesday, June 5, 2024 (11:15 p.m.