LIVE: Electron launches BlackSky 14 & 15 "A Data With Destiny"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4yeSmUsevcLaunch time: 7:02 pm EST on 8th (00:02 UTC on 9th)
Launch site: Launch Complex 1A, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
Destination: Sun-Synchronous Orbit
A Rocket Lab Electron rocket will launch two small second-generation satellites for BlackSky’s commercial fleet of Earth observation spacecraft in a mission designated "A Data With Destiny". Delayed from September and October due to COVID-relayed restrictions. Delayed from Dec 6 due to weather.
ELECTRON ROCKET INFO:
Core components of the 1st, 2nd, and Kick Stage engines are 3D printed!
Engine print time: 24 hours
Height: 17 m
Diameter: 1.2 m
Stages: 2
Nominal Payload: 150 kg
Max Payload: 225 kg
Nominal Sun-Synchronous Orbit: 500 km
Fuel (stage 1 & 2): RP-1 + LOX
1st Stage Engines: 9x Rutherford
1st Stage Initial Thrust: 162 kN (34,500 lbf)
1st Stage Peak Thrust: 192 kN (41,500 lbf)
1st Stage Specific Impulse (ISP): 303 sec
2nd Stage Engine: 1x Rutherford
2nd Stage Total Thrust: 22 kN (5,000 lbf)
2nd Stage Specific Impulse (ISP): 333 sec
Kick Stage Total Thrust: 120N