
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
Before trips to Mars, we need better protection from cosmic rays - 2
Picking the Right Pot for Your Plants: An Aide for Plant Devotees - 3
Everyone knows F1 is for the girls. I wandered into the Las Vegas desert to find out why. - 4
First Alert: Light snow through this evening - 5
Language Learning Stages: Which One Gets Your Vote?
AfD in Brandenburg takes back suit against the intelligence service
Volcanic eruption led to the Black Death, new research suggests
Best Veggie lover Dinner: What's Your Plant-Based Pick?
This Week In Space podcast: Episode 192 — Space, 2026!
Trump awarded 1st FIFA Peace Prize by Gianni Infantino at 2026 World Cup draw
What is the Significant Tech Expertise to Master Today?
The Delight of Camper Vans: Choosing the One That Meets Your Requirements
Fundamental Home Machines: An Easy to understand Determination Guide
Falcon 9 rocket launches Starlink satellites before making 550th SpaceX landing (video)













