Rocket Lab set to reuse Electron rocket for the first time
California-based Rocket Lab this week announced that it is, for the first time, returning a previously flown Electron rocket’s first stage back into the production line, preparing to launch it again. This will be the first time that it is reflying the Electron rocket, a big step for a company that aims to make it the world’s first reusable small orbital launch vehicle.
The company has already recovered many first stages of Electron rockets in various ways — having them return to Earth with a parachute, splashing them down in the ocean, and even trying to catch them mid-air using a helicopter. Rocket Lab analysed the boosters recovered previously but this is the first time one has been moved back into the standard production line in preparation to be launched again.
This first stage was launched as part of the “Four of a Kind” mission on January 31, this year, and after recovery, it has already passed more acceptance tests than any other recovered Electron stage. It will now go through a final fit out, along with rigorous qualification and acceptance tests that will hold it to the same standards as a brand new Electron.
“Through an iterative development process, we have methodically perfected each step of Electron recovery while simultaneously continuing to increase our Electron production capacity and launch cadence. This is the exciting final piece of the puzzle before Electron goes reusable,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck, in a press statement.
Rocket Lab’s long-held dream of a fully-reusable small orbital launch vehicle is finally coming to fruition amidst surging demand for small satellites to support United States national security space programs.
The Space Development Agency (SDA), which is part of the country’s Space Force, is moving away from the traditional model of the military buying large expensive satellites at long intervals, reports SpaceNews. Instead, SDA plans to spend around $4 billion a year on constellations of hundreds of smaller, less costly satellites to be deployed more frequently.
While this change in model is putting a lot of pressure on satellite manufacturing supply chains, it is also a growing opportunity for companies like Rocket Lab. Two Indian companies — Telangana-based Skyroot Aerospace and Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos — are also building launch vehicles with similar payload capacities.
For the latest news from across India, Political updates, Explainers, Sports News, Opinion, Entertainment Updates and more Top News, visit Indian Express. Subscribe to our award-winning Newsletter Download our App here Android & iOS
News Related-
Anurag Kashyap unveils teaser of ‘Kastoori’
-
Shehar Lakhot: Meet The Intriguing Characters Of The Upcoming Noir Crime Drama
-
Watch: 'My name is VVS Laxman...': When Ishan Kishan gave wrong answers to right questions
-
Tennis-Sabalenka, Rybakina to open new season in Brisbane
-
Sikandar Raza Makes History For Zimbabwe With Hattrick A Day After Punjab Kings Retain Him- WATCH
-
Delayed Barapullah work yet to begin despite land transfer
-
Army called in to help in tunnel rescue operation
-
FIR against Redbird aviation school for non-cooperation, obstructing DGCA officials in probe
-
IPL 2024 Auction: Why Gujarat Titans allowed Hardik Pandya to join Mumbai Indians? GT explain
-
From puff sleeves to sustainable designs: Top 5 bridal fashion trends redefining elegance and style for brides-to-be
-
The Judge behind China's financial reckoning
-
Arshdeep Singh & Axar Patel Out, Avesh Khan & Washington Sundar IN? India's Likely Playing XI For 3rd T20I
-
Horoscope Today, November 28, 2023: Check here Astrological prediction for all zodiac signs
-
'Gurdwaras are...': US Sikh body on Indian envoy's heckling by Khalistani backers