
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 Best Music Collections of the 10 years - 2
Examination In progress into Abuse of Japanese Government-Supported Advance - 3
Intriguing Social Unesco World Legacy Locales All over The Planet - 4
Monetary Freedom Guide: Plan Your Future - 5
Manageable Living: Eco-Accommodating Decisions for Regular day to day existence
Outside Lovers' Decision: Favored Climbing Rucksacks
Instructions to Improve Your Mental Exploration with Cutting edge Measurements
PA accuses Israel of 'human trafficking' after planeload of Gazans arrives in South Africa
Germany and trade unions kick off tough public-sector wage talks
Doulas play essential roles in reproductive health care – and more states are beginning to recognize it
Tickets for 'Stranger Things' Season 5 finale, to be shown in movie theaters on New Year's Eve, go on sale today. Here's how you can save your seat.
When Would it be a good idea for you to Look for Help from a Criminal Legal counselor?
Well known Travel Booking Locales: What's Your Pick?
Most loved Public Dish: Which One Addresses Its Nation Best?












