
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
The most effective method to Guarantee Scholastic Honesty in Web-based Degrees - 2
Popular Film Areas: A Worldwide Manual for Film Enchantment - 3
Putting resources into Yourself: Self-awareness Techniques - 4
New dietary guidelines recommend more dairy, meat and fats: What to know - 5
RSF attack on Sudan’s South Kordofan kills at least 14, including children
NASA begins the countdown for humanity's first launch to the moon in 53 years
Language Learning Stages: Which One Gets Your Vote?
'Home Alone' actor Joe Pesci said 'no' to this stunt until he saw a 9-year-old girl do it, says director Chris Columbus
Most loved Specially prepared Espresso Mix: Which Meal Do You Adore the Most?
Spotify Wrapped and Apple Music Replay are here: Top songs, albums and artists of 2025
What to know about MIT professor Nuno Loureiro and the investigation into his shooting
19 Peculiar Films You Shouldn't Watch With Your Mum
The Main 15 Powerful Business Heads of Today
The most effective method to Recognize an Excellent Lab Precious stone











