
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
The Manual for Well known rough terrain Vehicles - 2
We may have one thing in common with jellyfish, new research finds - 3
NASA funds new tech for upcoming 'Super Hubble' to search for alien life: 'We intend to move with urgency' - 4
Euclid space telescope sees gorgeous cosmic cloud | Space photo of the day for Nov. 18, 2025 - 5
What’s your chronotype? Knowing whether you’re a night owl or an early bird could help you do better on tests and avoid scams
Scientists map of old Mars river basins for the 1st time. These could be great places to search for ancient life
Tuesday, April 7. Russia’s War On Ukraine: News And Information From Ukraine
The best ice packs for coolers of 2026, tested and reviewed
The Conclusive Manual for Spending plan Travel: Opening Undertakings on a Tight budget
10 Demonstrated Tips to Expand Your New Android Cell phone: A Thorough Aide
Smooth countdown continues for Artemis II moon mission
Bother Control Administrations for 2024: Decide for Your Home
What will the Artemis 2 astronauts eat during their historic moon mission? (video)
Satellite constellations could obscure most space telescope observations by late 2030s: 'That part of the image will be forever lost'













