SpaceX reaches orbit with Starship as Rocket Lab wins 20-launch contract
SpaceX sent its new super-heavy Starship rocket to low Earth orbit for the first time on its 14th flight. The mission deployed the first 26 Starlink V3 satellites, while Rocket Lab signed Synspective to 20 Electron launches.
SpaceX sent Starship to low Earth orbit for the first time during a Monday launch. It was the rocket’s 14th flight; previous attempts had reached about 99% of the way to orbit but stopped short amid safety concerns.
The mission also successfully deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites. The new-generation spacecraft expand the potential for growth of SpaceX’s Starlink network.
Rocket Lab signs 20-mission agreement
Rocket Lab signed a 20-launch Electron agreement with Japanese company Synspective. The company described it as its largest launch-services contract to date.
Synspective is building a fleet of radar Earth-imaging satellites. Electron has launched 13 of its StriX spacecraft since 2020, with the most recent mission taking place on September 25.
The new deal brings Synspective’s total Rocket Lab bookings to 47 missions, including the 13 already completed. Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck said the agreement reflected confidence in Electron’s launch cadence, mission reliability and orbital precision.
What we know
- Starship reached low Earth orbit for the first time on its 14th flight.
- The mission deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites.
- Rocket Lab signed Synspective to 20 Electron launches.
- Synspective’s total Rocket Lab bookings reached 47 missions.
Trust: Single source
- The story relies on one publisher. A second independent confirmation has not been established from the cited sources.
- Sources: Ars Technica.
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