РН Electron от новозеландской Rocket Lab

[tnt22]

Rocket Lab ✔@RocketLab 9:40 PM - Apr 29, 2020

We've rolled Electron out at LC-2 in Virginia for the 1st time! We're gearing up for our 1st mission from U.S. soil - a dedicated mission in partnership with the Department of Defense's Space Test Program & the Space and Missile Systems Center's Small Launch and Targets Division.




9:43 PM - Apr 29, 2020

Our team carried out integrated systems tests to verify launch systems on Electron and on the ground systems at LC-2. Tests included raising Electron vertical, activating & tuning pad fluid systems, power and comms checkouts, plus RF testing with the range.




9:47 PM - Apr 29, 2020

The mission is scheduled for launch in Q3 this year. One of the final remaining steps before launch is completion of NASA certification for our Autonomous Flight Termination System (AFTS), a system that has been successfully flown on several missions from LC-1.

[tnt22]

https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/electron-roll-out-complete-at-launch-complex-2-ahead-of-upcoming-u-s-space-force-mission/

Electron Roll-Out Complete at Launch Complex 2 Ahead of Upcoming U.S. Space Force Mission

Electron Roll-Out Complete at Launch Complex 2 Ahead of Upcoming U.S. Space Force Mission

Scheduled for Q3 2020, the mission will be Rocket Lab's first launch from U.S. soil

LONG BEACH, Calif. [29 April 2020] – Rocket Lab, a space technology company and the global leader in dedicated small satellite launch, has rolled an Electron launch vehicle out to the Launch Complex 2 pad at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in Wallops, Virginia for the first time. The milestone is one of the final steps ahead of Rocket Lab's first launch from Launch Complex 2 – a dedicated mission in partnership with the Department of Defense's Space Test Program and the Space and Missile Systems Center's Small Launch and Targets Division.

Rocket Lab engineers and technicians carried out a range of successful integrated systems tests to verify launch systems on Electron and on the ground systems at Launch Complex 2. The critical checks included raising Electron vertical on the Launch Complex 2 pad for the first time, activating and tuning pad fluid systems, power and communication checkouts as well as RF testing with the range. The test campaign concluded with a hot ignition test of the nine Rutherford engines on Electron's first stage.

The STP-27RM mission will launch a single micro-sat from the Air Force Research Laboratory's Monolith program, which is designed to determine the ability of small satellites to support large aperture payloads to monitor space weather. The mission is being coordinated by the U.S. Space Force's Space and Missile Systems Center and is scheduled to launch no earlier than the third quarter of 2020.

One of the final remaining steps before lift-off from Launch Complex 2 is completion of NASA certification for Rocket Lab's Autonomous Flight Termination System (AFTS), a system that has already been successfully flown on several missions from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. NASA expects to complete the certification in time for the Q3 launch window. The STP-27RM mission will mark the first time an AFTS system has flown from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport and represents a valuable new capability for the spaceport.

AFTS is a GPS-aided, computer-controlled system designed to terminate an off-nominal flight, replacing traditional human-in-the-loop monitoring systems. AFTS is crucial to increasing launch frequency and providing responsive launch capability, while maintaining the highest industry safety standards. It reduces the turnaround time between missions and provides greater schedule control by eliminating reliance on ground-assets and human flight termination operators.

"For almost 20 years NASA and the DoD have been working to develop an AFTS system that is available for use by all Range Users within ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) that can greatly reduce the cost of access to space," said David Pierce, Wallops Flight Facility director.

"Through our partnership with Rocket Lab on previous Electron launches and on this historic U.S. Air Force mission, we're able to further our efforts to commercialize AFTS and increase launch responsiveness at U.S. ranges."

Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and Chief Executive, says the upcoming mission from Launch Complex 2 marks the beginning of rapid, responsive small satellite launch capability for U.S. government missions from U.S. soil.

"We're proud to be partnering with the U.S. Space Force for the first mission from Launch Complex 2 and we're honored to be working with them again following previous STP missions out of Launch Complex 1," said Beck. "For more than two years Rocket Lab has been providing responsive, dedicated and reliable access to space for government missions, and now we're proud to be building on that strong heritage with our first mission from the United States. Combined, our two launch sites can support more than 130 launch opportunities every year, enabling unmatched schedule control for small satellite operators to respond to unfolding opportunities in low Earth orbit and beyond."

Shaun D'Mello, Rocket Lab's Vice President of Launch, says the Electron launch vehicle and ground systems at Launch Complex 2 performed seamlessly throughout the test campaign.

"My sincere thanks go to the crews at Rocket Lab and Virginia Space whose hard work, commitment, and attention to detail enabled a smooth test campaign to verify the new launch pad and Electron for flight."

With Launch Complex 2 complete and entering an operational phase, work continues on the construction of a Rocket Lab Integration and Control Facility nearby, which will house a launch control center, payload integration facilities, offices, and a pre-launch integration area for multiple Electron vehicles.

Future missions scheduled for lift-off from Launch Complex 2 include a pathfinding mission for NASA to the Moon called CAPSTONE (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment). The mission will see a NASA satellite launched to a unique near rectilinear halo orbit around the Moon to determine navigational capabilities for future missions. Data gathered by this mission will inform NASA's plans for Gateway – a space station planned for lunar orbit that will act as an outpost for astronauts before they descend to the lunar surface. The CAPSTONE mission is currently scheduled to launch in early 2021.

[tnt22]

Thomas Burghardt @TGMetsFan98 9:43 PM - Apr 29, 2020

Any photos/video of the static fire test?


Rocket Lab ✔@RocketLab 9:52 PM - Apr 29, 2020

Not quite, but we do have this shot of the hot ignition test of the nine Rutherford engines on Electron's first stage. Kudos to our friend @TrevorMahlmann for this and many other beautiful shots at LC-2!

[Старый]

Очередной Скаут. Точнее недоСкаут. 

[Alex_II]

Старый написал:
Очередной Скаут. Точнее недоСкаут.  

В отличие от множества прочих объявленных - этот неплохо летает...

[tnt22]

https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/rocket-lab-closes-acquisition-of-satellite-hardware-manufacturer-sinclair-interplanetary/

Rocket Lab Closes Acquisition of Satellite Hardware Manufacturer Sinclair Interplanetary

Rocket Lab Closes Acquisition of Satellite Hardware Manufacturer Sinclair Interplanetary

The acquisition solidifies Rocket Lab's position as the leading space systems company for end-to end small satellite mission solutions

LONG BEACH, Calif. 30 April 2020 – Rocket Lab, a leading space systems company, has closed the transaction to acquire Sinclair Interplanetary, a leading provider of high-quality, flight-proven satellite hardware.

Rocket Lab announced the execution of the agreement to acquire Sinclair Interplanetary on March 16, 2020 pending customary closing conditions and satisfying The Investment Canada Act review process. Terms of the approved deal were not disclosed.

The acquisition strengthens the satellite division of Rocket Lab, which produces the Photon spacecraft line. Sinclair Interplanetary products will become key features of Rocket Lab's Photon satellite platforms designed for low Earth orbit, lunar, and interplanetary small satellite missions. Rocket Lab will also dedicate resources to grow Sinclair's already strong merchant spacecraft components business. The acquisition enables Sinclair Interplanetary to tap into Rocket Lab's resources, scale, manufacturing capability, and innovative technologies to make world-leading satellite hardware accessible to more customers.

Both companies have built leading space businesses with consistent strong revenue growth and together, Rocket Lab and Sinclair Interplanetary will provide the small satellite industry with optimized spacecraft solutions and cohesive launch services to make space easy.

"When we talk to small satellite operators across the board their challenges are clear: They need to get on orbit faster; they need proven and reliable hardware; and they need the ability to focus on their core business, rather than spending years tied up in hardware development. Rocket Lab and Sinclair Interplanetary are uniquely suited to solve these challenges and make space easy for our customers," said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and CEO.

"At Sinclair Interplanetary we've had the privilege of serving the small satellite community for almost 20 years across diverse and innovative missions," said Doug Sinclair, founder of Sinclair Interplanetary. "We're excited to build on our strong heritage by combining the capabilities of Rocket Lab and Sinclair Interplanetary to scale manufacturing, make our hardware available to more customers globally, and be able to supply larger constellations than ever before."

Founded in 2001 by Doug Sinclair, Toronto-based Sinclair Interplanetary develops reliable, best-in-class spacecraft hardware, including reaction wheels and star trackers that support rapid-schedule small satellite programs. More than 90 satellites incorporating Sinclair hardware have been launched to orbit, including Rocket Lab-launched satellites from AstroDigital, ALE, and BlackSky. The Sinclair team has been entrusted with developing hardware for world-first missions including BRITE, the world's smallest space telescope, and The Planetary Society's LightSail 2, the first satellite in Earth orbit to be propelled solely by sunlight. Satellite communications company, Kepler Communications, has also selected Sinclair reaction wheels for its constellation of 140 Internet of Things satellites currently in development.

Sinclair Interplanetary will continue to be led by Doug Sinclair and the company will maintain its team and facilities in Toronto, Canada. In addition to being incorporated into Rocket Lab's Photon satellite line, Sinclair Interplanetary hardware will remain available to satellite operators building their own spacecraft.

[tnt22]

Peter Beck @Peter_J_Beck 7:07 AM - May 1, 2020

Love your work @TrevorMahlmann. Can't wait to see the shots you get from our first LC-2 lift-off!

Trevor Mahlmann @TrevorMahlmann 5:41 AM - May 1, 2020

[tnt22]

Peter Beck @Peter_J_Beck 1:31 AM - May 3, 2020

Here is what Photon Lunar looks like! This platform can also deliver small payloads to Mars,Venus and other exciting places.

[tnt22]

Rocket Lab Electron going vertical at Launch Complex-2

Trevor Mahlmann

4 мая 2020 г.

Recently, I had the privilege to photograph the Rocket Lab Electron rocket going vertical for the first time at their Launch Complex - 2 in Wallops Island, Virginia. I cannot wait to photograph launches from this pad!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/ymbkZPZxZD4 (2:09)

[tnt22]

 Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck 8 ч. назад

Flight 12 is on the pad at LC-1 in NZ, another Electron is at the pad at LC-2 in Virginia, and the team just hot fired flight 13's 2nd stage. Busy times!
#OpeningAccessToSpace

(0:04)

[tnt22]

Peter Beck @Peter_J_Beck · 9 ч. назад

The 3rd pad (LC-1B) is coming along nicely.

[tnt22]

Rocket Lab @RocketLab 42 мин. назад

Another set of 3D printed Rutherford engines rolling off the line in Long Beach. We're fast approaching our 200th engine!

[tnt22]

Peter Beck @Peter_J_Beck 56 мин. назад

The rocket backlog.

[tnt22]

 Rocket Lab @RocketLab 58 мин

We're celebrating three years since our first Electron launch!

Thanks to our incredible team for their relentless drive and dedication, and to our amazing customers for supporting us every step of the way. We're just getting started.

 (2:20)

[A_Sh]

А кто-нибудь находил какую-нибудь более/менее подробную информацию по конфигурации установленной в двигателе Резерфорд аккумуляторной батарее? Нигде не могу найти

[Дмитрий В.]

А кто-нибудь находил какую-нибудь более/менее подробную информацию по конфигурации установленной в двигателе Резерфорд аккумуляторной батарее? Нигде не могу найти

Вряд ли эта информация доступна. И там, конечно, не одна литий-полимерная батарея, а целый их склад - под них выделен отдельный отсек прямо над двигательным.

[ОАЯ]

А кто-нибудь находил какую-нибудь более/менее подробную информацию по конфигурации установленной в двигателе Резерфорд аккумуляторной батарее? Нигде не могу найти

https://batterybro.com/
https://batterybro.com/blogs/18650-wholesale-battery-reviews/32044035-new-electric-rocket-uses-lithium-ion-batteries-to-power-turbopump
Подтверждение, что BatteryBro - на 31 странице https://www.fireandemergency.nz/assets/Documents/Files/Report_174_Lithium_Batteries_Whats_the_problem.pdf

[Serge V Iz]

BatteryBro - оптовый продавец батарей и элементов нескольких брендов. В отчете пожарных он фигурирует как источник информации об ужасающей мощи® батареек ракеты.

Впрочем, вероятно, можно сузить круг подозреваемых до представленных на их сайте брендов )

[tnt22]

 Rocket Lab @RocketLab 1 мин. назад

A quick note on recovery: We won't be attempting a guided re-entry of the first stage for this mission, but more tests are slated for our 17th Electron launch later this year.

#DontStopMeNow

[Искандер]

Таким же образом сверхтяжёлый Ми-26 мог бы ловить первую ступень С-6