
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
Mount Everest Climbers 'Poisoned' by Guides Prompting Mass Helicopter Rescues in $20 Million Insurance Fraud Scheme, Police Say - 2
Astronauts welcome arrival of new crewmates | On the International Space Station this week Nov. 24-28, 2025 - 3
Instructions to Explore the Universe of Vehicle Leases - 4
All that You Really want to Be aware of Dental Inserts Facilities - 5
German foreign minister backs abandoning EU's unanimity principle
The Fragrant Small Tree Birds & Pollinators Love With Stunning Flowers In Summer
African nations push to recognize crimes of colonialism in Algeria
Live long and loiter: Why NASA's ESCAPADE probes will wait a year in space before heading to Mars
Twins were the norm for our ancient primate ancestors − one baby at a time had evolutionary advantages
4 astronauts are now on their path to the moon. Here’s what happens next
Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson hospitalized, family requests prayers
Geomagnetic storm grounds launch of Mars space weather satellites
Exclusive-Drugmakers raise US prices on 350 medicines despite pressure from Trump
Tremendous Spelunking: Cool Caverns All over the Planet













