
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
Tehran defends ship seizure as a legal action, but tensions continue in the Gulf15.11.2025 - 2
Cygnus XL brings cargo to the ISS for 1st time | Space photo of the day for Dec. 1, 202501.12.2025 - 3
Why home maintenance deserves a spot in the annual health and budget plans04.01.2026 - 4
Heat Wave Fuels Massive Wildfire In Australia10.01.2026 - 5
Investigate These Retreats Well known With Seniors06.06.2024
Scientists find evidence that an asteroid contains tryptophan
My Excursion to Monetary Autonomy: Awesome ways to save cash
The most effective method to Execute a Lung-Solid Eating routine After a Cellular breakdown in the lungs Finding
2 new malaria treatments announced as drug resistance grows
Scientists document a death from a meat allergy tied to certain ticks
Building an Individual Brand: Illustrations from Powerhouses
Step by step instructions to Get the Best Vehicle Rent Arrangement: Insider Tips and Systems
German mid-sized firms gloomy on outlook, survey finds
Step by step instructions to Protect Your Retirement with Senior Protection.













