Rocket Lab successfully launched the first Generation-3 (Gen-3) imaging satellite for its BlackSky subsidiary on February 18, just hours after SpaceX achieved a milestone in recovering a Falcon 9 booster.
The Electron rocket, carrying the “Fasten Your Space Belts” mission payload, lifted off from New Zealand at 6:17 p.m. Eastern and deployed the BlackSky satellite about 55 minutes later. The satellite is equipped with advanced imaging capabilities, including high-resolution 35-centimeter imagery and short-wave infrared observations that can penetrate smoke and haze.
“This launch represents a major inflection point for our global defense and intelligence customer base,” said Brian O’Toole, chief executive of BlackSky. “Our Gen-3 satellites provide very high-resolution capabilities to our monitoring constellation.”
The launch was Rocket Lab’s second Electron mission this year and the 60th overall. The company has signed a contract for five more Electron launches.
Meanwhile, SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, deploying 23 Starlink satellites about 65 minutes later. What’s notable is that the booster landed on a droneship in Bahamian waters for the first time, marking a significant milestone in SpaceX’s recovery efforts.
“This landing gives The Bahamas a foothold in the aerospace industry,” said Isaac Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister of the country. “We’re committed to safety and look forward to this new opportunity.”
The launch was the 21st Falcon 9 mission for SpaceX this year, with the company aiming for up to 180 launches.
Source: https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-and-spacex-perform-launches-minutes-apart