
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
Man triggers smoke bomb during failed crypto robbery - 2
More than 800 flights canceled as FAA cuts traffic at 40 major airports. Here's what to know. - 3
Novo Nordisk slashes prices of popular weight loss and diabetes drugs - 4
Changes to CDC website spark debate over autism and vaccine misinformation - 5
James Webb Space Telescope watches 'Jekyll and Hyde' galaxy shapeshift into a cosmic monster
IDF kills four terrorists equipped with weapons, surveillance gear near Gaza's Yellow Line
Doctors seek to understand why quitting antidepressants causes withdrawal for some
The most effective method to Refresh the Infotainment Framework in the Volvo XC40
Why screening for the deadliest cancer in the U.S. misses most cases
Bismuth’s haredi draft bill won’t change enlistment, IDI expert tells 'Post'
Top Pastry: What's Your Sweet Treat of Decision?
Is 'Veronica Mars' about to be your new binge-watch? It's now streaming on Netflix.
Easter Island quarry reveals how Polynesians made enigmatic stone statues
New Year's superstitions: Eating 12 grapes, avoiding laundry and other rituals that are said to bring good fortune










