Rocket Lab's Electron rocket successfully placed a BlackSky high-resolution imaging satellite into orbit during a launch from its New Zealand facility.
The launch occurred at 7:57 p.m. Eastern from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. The Gen-3 satellite deployed 52 minutes after liftoff from the rocket's kick stage into a circular orbit approximately 470 kilometers above Earth.
This marks the second Gen-3 satellite BlackSky has launched on Electron rockets, following a February mission. These advanced satellites offer 35-centimeter resolution imagery and are equipped with short-wave infrared sensors capable of penetrating smoke and haze. Additionally, intersatellite links on the constellation reduce latency for faster data delivery.
“With each successive launch, BlackSky expands on-orbit capacity, introduces Gen-3 capabilities and furthers our ability to meet the demands of the most time-dominant missions,” BlackSky CEO Brian O'Toole said.
BlackSky has multiple launch agreements with Rocket Lab, including a 2023 contract covering five Electron launches. This launch was the tenth Electron mission carrying BlackSky satellites.
Rocket Lab positions Electron as a launch vehicle offering small satellite operators flexible timing and orbital deployment for constellation-building efforts. This year, Electron missions have also supported constellation deployments for French IoT operator Kinéis, Japanese radar imaging firm iQPS, and Germany's OroraTech, which focuses on wildfire monitoring.
Peter Beck, Rocket Lab CEO, said, “We're laser-focused on delivering an increasing cadence of regular and reliable dedicated access to space for small satellite operators with Electron, and looking forward to continuing to deploy BlackSky's constellation with more Electron launches in the months to come.”
This was the seventh Electron launch in 2025, with Rocket Lab planning over 20 Electron missions this year, including some using a suborbital variant named HASTE.