Karl Tate says it will launch three experimental US Air Force satellites, designed to help develop new technologies, from New Zealand in the company’s largest payload to date later in April 2019. The company said the launches of the Space Plug-and-Play Architecture Research Cubesat, the Falcon Orbital Debris Experiment cubesat and the Harbinger satellite would “stretch the legs” of its Electron launch vehicle. Electron has already been used for four satellite missions since January 2018 with 12 planned for 2019. The company also aims to open a second launch site in Virginia.
Rocket Lab says it will launch three experimental US Air Force satellites, designed to help develop new technologies, from New Zealand in the company’s largest payload to date later in April 2019. The company said the launches of the Space Plug-and-Play Architecture Research Cubesat, the Falcon Orbital Debris Experiment cubesat and the Harbinger satellite would “stretch the legs” of its Electron launch vehicle. Electron has already been used for four satellite missions since January 2018 with 12 planned for 2019. The company also aims to open a second launch site in Virginia.