
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
As tetanus vaccination rates decline, doctors worry about rising case numbers - 2
Wedding trip Objections in the US - 3
Figure out How to Pick a Crematorium: Key Contemplations. - 4
Ariana Grande says Eternal Sunshine 2026 tour will be her last for a 'long, long time': 'One last hurrah' - 5
Full SNAP benefits must be paid ‘promptly,’ USDA tells states as government reopens
21 Incredibly Interesting Contemplations To Observe Consistently
Highlight Correlation of Microsoft Surface Book and Surface Genius Workstations for Determination
Home Plan Tips for Seniors
South Carolina's measles outbreak reaches 434 cases
Step by step instructions to Contrast Lab Precious stones and Normal Jewels
Study casts doubt on potential for life on Jupiter's moon Europa
Novo Nordisk justifies reasoning behind failed GLP-1 Alzheimer's trials
Figure out How to Utilize Your Web based Advertising Degree to Break into the Tech Business
IDF destroys two-kilometer-long Gaza terror tunnel in Beit Lahiya












