MISSION NAME
Birds of a Feather (NROL-151) 151
Status
Success
DATE
31 JAN 2020
LAUNCH PROVIDER
Rocket Lab
Launch Pad
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1A
Description
This is a dedicated launch for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The contract was awarded under Rapid Acquisition of a Small Rocket (RASR) program.
Electron
Rocket Description
Electron is a two-stage orbital expendable launch vehicle (with an optional third stage) developed by the American aerospace company Rocket Lab. Electron is a small-lift launch vehicle designed to launch small satellites and cubesats to sun-synchronous orbit and low earth orbit. The Electron is the first orbital class rocket to use electric-pump-fed engines, powered by the 9 Rutherford engines on the first stage. It is also used as a suborbital testbed (called HASTE) for hypersonics research.