View source for Engineering:Rocket Lab Electron

{{Short description|Two-stage small launch vehicle, 200-300 kg to LEO}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2021}} {{Infobox rocket
| name           = Electron
| function       = [[Engineering:Small-lift launch vehicle|Small-lift launch vehicle]]
| logo           = Electron rocket logo.svg
| image          = TROPICS Rocket Launch (KSC-20230507-PH-RLS01 0002-reupload) (cropped).jpg
| caption        = Electron [[Engineering:List of Electron launches#2023|launching TROPICS]] in 2023
| manufacturer   = [[Company:Rocket Lab|Rocket Lab]]
| country-origin = New Zealand<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/rocket-lab-celebrates-rich-ten-year-history/|title=Rocket Lab Celebrates Rich Ten-Year History|date=30 June 2016 |publisher=Rocket Lab USA}}</ref><br/>United States<ref name="ars20181017">{{cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2018/10/rocket-lab-gets-second-launch-site-gears-up-for-rapid-flight-cadence/ |title=Rocket Lab Gets Second Launch Site Gears Up for Rapid Flight Cadence|publisher=Ars Technica|first=Eric|last=Berger|date=17 October 2018|access-date=17 October 2018}}</ref><ref name="sfi20150502">{{cite news|url=http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/commercial/rocket-lab-electron-rutherford-peter-beck-started-first-place/|title=Rocket Lab: the Electron, the Rutherford, and why Peter Beck started it in the first place|publisher=Spaceflight Insider|first=Rae|last=Botsford End|date=2 May 2015|access-date=20 October 2018|archive-date=10 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510130157/http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/commercial/rocket-lab-electron-rutherford-peter-beck-started-first-place/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/rocket-lab-successfully-makes-it-to-space-2/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212033229/http://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/rocket-lab-successfully-makes-it-to-space-2/|archive-date=12 December 2017|title=Rocket Lab Electron 'It's a Test' flight successfully makes it to space|date=25 May 2017|publisher=Rocket Lab USA|url-status=dead}}</ref>

| pcost          = US$100 million<ref>{{cite web|last1=Beck|first1=Peter|url=https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1302692025297379328|title=Yea, It took us $100m to get to orbit and I believe that was too much!|website=twitter.com|access-date=6 September 2020|quote=Yea, It took us $100 million to get to orbit and I believe that was too much!}}</ref>

| height         = {{cvt| 18| m}}<ref name=rocketlab-electron>{{cite web|url=https://rocketlabusa.com/electron/|title=Electron|publisher=Rocket Lab USA|access-date=14 August 2021}}</ref>
| diameter       = {{cvt| 1.2| m}}<ref name=payloadguidev7 />
| mass           = {{cvt| 13.0| t| lb}}<ref name=payloadguidev7>{{cite web|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/assets/Uploads/Electron-Payload-User-Guide-7.0.pdf|title=Electron Payload user's guide|publisher=Rocket Lab|date=2022-11-01|access-date=2024-12-07}}</ref>
| stages         = 2–3<ref name=rocketlab-electron /><ref name=pm-stage3>{{cite news|url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/space/rockets/a15854376/rocket-lab-engine-kick-stage-electron-rocket/|title=Rocket Lab Reveals Secret Engine and "Kick Stage" for the Electron Rocket|publisher=Popular Mechanics|last1=Bennett|first1=Jay|date=23 January 2018|access-date=24 January 2018}}</ref>
| family         =
| derivatives    =
| comparable     = {{Hlist
  | Ceres-1
  | [[Engineering:Epsilon (rocket)|Epsilon]]
  | [[Engineering:Firefly Alpha|Firefly Alpha]]
  | Kuaizhou 1
  | [[Engineering:Long March 11|Long March 11]]
  | [[Engineering:Minotaur I|Minotaur I]]
  | [[Engineering:Shavit 2|Shavit]]
  | [[Engineering:Small Satellite Launch Vehicle|SSLV]]
  }}

| status         = Active
| sites          = {{plainlist|
* Māhia, LC-1A & 1B
* MARS, LC-2
}}

| launches       = 73{{Efn|name=HASTE}}<!-- UPDATE after every launch: total launches to date -->
| success        = 69{{Efn|name=HASTE}}<!-- UPDATE after every launch: total successful launches -->
| fail           = 4 <!-- total failed launches-->
| partial        = <!-- total partially failed launches-->
| other_outcome  = 
| first          = 25 May 2017 <!--NOTE: All dates are UTC -->
| last           = 14 October 2025 <!--NOTE: All dates are UTC -->
| capacities     =
 {{Infobox rocket/payload
  | location     = [[Astronomy:Low Earth orbit|LEO]]
  | kilos        = {{Unbulleted list|'''Original:''' {{cvt| 225| kg}}<ref name="RL08042020">{{cite web|title=Rocket Lab Increases Electron Payload Capacity, Enabling Interplanetary Missions and Reusability |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-increases-electron-payload-capacity-enabling-interplanetary-missions-and-reusability/|publisher=Rocket Lab USA|access-date=30 May 2023}}</ref> |'''Updated:''' {{cvt| 320| kg}}<ref name="RL08042020"/>
}}
  }}

{{Infobox Rocket/Payload
  | location     = SSO
  | kilos        = {{Unbulleted list|'''Original:''' {{cvt| 150| kg}}<ref name="RL08042020"/>|'''Updated:''' {{cvt| 200| kg}}<ref name=payloadguidev7 />
}}
 }}

| stagedata     = 
 {{Infobox rocket/stage
  |type         = stage
  |stageno      = First
  |length       = {{cvt|12.1|m}}
  |diameter     = {{cvt|1.2|m}}<ref name=rocketlab-electron />
  |empty        = 
  |gross        = 
  |propmass     = 
  |engines      = 9 × Rutherford<ref name=rocketlab-electron/>
  |thrust       = {{abbr|SL|at sea level}}: {{cvt|224.3|kN}}<ref name=rocketlab-electron/><br />{{abbr|vac|in vacuum}}: {{cvt|234|kN}}
  |SI           = {{cvt|311|isp}}<ref name=rocketlab-electron/>
  |burntime     = 
  |fuel         = [[Chemistry:RP-1|RP-1]]/[[Astronomy:LOX|LOX]]<ref name=rocketlab-electron/>
 }}
 {{Infobox rocket/stage
  |type         = stage
  |stageno      = Second
  |length       = {{cvt|2.4|m}}
  |diameter     = {{cvt|1.2|m}}<ref name=rocketlab-electron/>
  |empty        = 
  |gross        = 
  |propmass     = 
  |engines      = 1 × Rutherford<ref name=rocketlab-electron/>
  |thrust       = {{cvt|25.8|kN}}<ref name=rocketlab-electron/>
  |SI           = {{cvt|343|isp}}<ref name=rocketlab-electron/>
  |burntime     = 
  |fuel         = [[Chemistry:RP-1|RP-1]]/[[Astronomy:LOX|LOX]]<ref name=rocketlab-electron/>
 }}
 {{Infobox rocket/stage
  |type         = stage
  |stageno      = Kick
  |diff         = optional
  |name         = Photon
  |length       = 
  |diameter     = 
  |empty        = <!-- empty mass of a single booster/stage in kilograms, optional -->
  |gross        = <!-- gross (fuelled) mass of a single booster/stage, optional -->
  |propmass     = <!-- propellant mass carried by a single booster/stage in kilograms, optional -->
  |engines      = 1 × [[Engineering:Curie (rocket engine)|Curie]]<ref name=pm-stage3/>
  |thrust       = {{cvt|0.12|kN}}<ref name=pm-stage3/>
  |SI           = 
  |burntime     = <!-- burn time, required -->
 }}
 {{Infobox rocket/stage
  |type         = stage
  |stageno      = Kick
  |diff         = optional
  |name         = Photon (modified)
  |length       =
  |diameter     = 
  |empty        = <!-- empty mass of a single booster/stage in kilograms, optional -->
  |gross        = <!-- gross (fuelled) mass of a single booster/stage, optional -->
  |propmass     = <!-- propellant mass carried by a single booster/stage in kilograms, optional -->
  |engines      = 1 × [[Engineering:Curie (rocket engine)|HyperCurie]]<ref name="HyperCurie 1">{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/05/13/rocketlab-tests-new-hypercurie-engine-that-will-power-its-deep-space-delivery-vehicle/|first=Darrell|last=Etherington|title=Rocket Lab tests new hyperCurie engine that will power its deep space delivery vehicle|website=TechCrunch|date=May 13, 2020|access-date=September 4, 2020}}</ref>
  |thrust       = {{cvt|0.4|kN}}<ref name=pm-stage3-lunar/>
  |SI           = {{cvt|310|isp}}<ref name=pm-stage3-lunar/>
  |burntime     = 
  |fuel         = ''unspecified hypergolic bi-propellant''
 }}
}}

'''Electron''' is a two-stage, partially [[Astronomy:Reusable launch vehicle|reusable]] orbital [[Engineering:Launch vehicle|launch vehicle]] developed by [[Company:Rocket Lab|Rocket Lab]], an American aerospace company with a wholly owned New Zealand subsidiary.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rocket Lab Celebrates Rich Ten-Year History|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/rocket-lab-celebrates-rich-ten-year-history/ |access-date=2020-08-02|publisher=Rocket Lab USA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=View All Details|url=https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/1835428|access-date=2020-11-26 |website=app.companiesoffice.govt.nz}}</ref> Servicing the commercial [[Engineering:Small satellite|small satellite]] launch market,<ref name="rocketlabs-electron201607" /> it is the third most launched [[Engineering:Small-lift launch vehicle|small-lift launch vehicle]] in history. Its Rutherford engines are the first [[Physics:Electric-pump-fed engine|electric-pump-fed engine]] to power an orbital-class rocket.<ref name="popsci_rutherford">{{cite news|url=https://www.popsci.com/rocket-labs-got-3d-printed-battery-powered-rocket-engine|title=A 3D-Printed, Battery-Powered Rocket Engine|publisher=Popular Science|last1=Grush|first1=Loren|date=14 April 2015|access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref> Electron is often flown with a kickstage or Rocket Lab's [[Engineering:Rocket Lab Photon|Photon]] spacecraft. Although the rocket was designed to be [[Engineering:Expendable launch system|expendable]], Rocket Lab has recovered the first stage twice and is working towards the capability of [[Astronomy:Reusable launch system|reusing]] the booster.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rocket Lab makes its first booster recovery after successful launch|date=20 November 2020|url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/11/19/rocket-lab-makes-its-first-booster-recovery-after-successful-launch/|access-date=2020-11-26|publisher=TechCrunch}}</ref> The Flight 26 (F26) booster has featured the first helicopter catch recovery attempt. Rocket Lab has, however, abandoned the idea of catching Electron.

In December 2016, Electron completed [[Engineering:Flight qualify|flight qualification]]. The first rocket was launched on 25 May 2017,<ref name="bbc20170525"/> reaching space but not achieving orbit due to a glitch in communication equipment on the ground.<ref name="Flight1result"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Rocket Lab Completes Post-Flight Analysis for Electron 'Its a Test'|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/about-us/updates/rocket-lab-completes-post-flight-analysis/|access-date=2021-09-09|website=Rocket Lab|language=en}}</ref> During its second flight on 21 January 2018, Electron reached orbit and deployed three [[Engineering:CubeSat|CubeSat]]s.<ref name="nzh20180121">{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11979201|title=Blast off! Rocket Lab successfully reaches orbit|work=The New Zealand Herald|last=Ryan|first=Holly|date=21 January 2018|access-date=21 January 2018}}</ref> The first commercial launch of Electron, and the third launch overall, occurred on 11 November 2018.<ref>{{citation|last=Rocket Lab USA|title=It's Business Time Launch – 11/11/2018|date=10 November 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=26&v=sPwMuUxSrcA|access-date=11 November 2018}}</ref> Since then, Electron has launched successfully 69 times, with an additional 4 failures, for a grand total of 73 launches.

== Design ==
Electron uses two stages with the same diameter ({{cvt|1.2|m}}) filled with [[Chemistry:RP-1|RP-1]]/[[Astronomy:LOX|LOX]] propellant. The main body of the rocket is constructed using a lightweight carbon composite material.<ref name=ft_launch/>

Both stages use the Rutherford rocket engine, the first [[Physics:Electric-pump-fed engine|electric-pump-fed engine]] to power an orbital rocket.<ref name=popsci_rutherford/> The electric pumps are powered by [[Engineering:Lithium polymer battery|lithium-polymer]] batteries. The second stage uses three batteries which are "hot swapped", two of the batteries are jettisoned once depleted to shed mass.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://spaceflight101.com/launch-week-arrives-for-rocket-labs-electron/|title=Launch Week Arrives for Rocket Lab's Electron|date=23 May 2017 |publisher=Spaceflight101|access-date=13 June 2019}}</ref> There are nine Rutherford engines on the first stage and one vacuum-optimized version on the second stage.<ref name="b14643-electronnlvdescription"/><ref name="b14643-electronnlvpropulsion"/><ref name="rocketlabs-propulsion20160919"/> The first stage engines deliver {{cvt|162|kN}} of thrust and the second stage delivers {{cvt|22|kN}} of thrust. Almost all of the engines' parts are 3D printed to save time and money in the manufacturing process.<ref name=popsci_rutherford/><ref name="ft_launch">{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/41572f8a-fe4d-11e7-9650-9c0ad2d7c5b5|title=Private group in "world first" cheap rocket launch|publisher=Financial Times|last1=Smyth|first1=Jamie|date=21 January 2018|access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref>

Rocket Lab has also developed an optional third stage, known as the "kick stage", designed to circularize the orbits of its satellite payloads. The Electron kick stage is equipped with a single [[Engineering:Curie (rocket engine)|Curie]] engine that is capable of performing multiple burns, uses an unspecified "green" bipropellant, and is 3D printed. It was first used during Electron's second flight.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-launch-also-tested-new-kick-stage/|title=Rocket Lab launch also tested new kick stage|publisher=SpaceNews|first=Jeff|last=Foust |date=23 January 2018|access-date=23 January 2018}}</ref> The kick stage can transport up to {{cvt|150|kg}} of payload.<ref name=":11">{{cite web|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/rocket-lab-successfully-circularizes-orbit-with-new-electron-kick-stage/|title=Rocket Lab successfully circularizes orbit with new Electron kick stage|publisher=Rocket Lab USA|date=23 January 2018|access-date=9 May 2019}}</ref>

Rocket Lab has also developed a derivative spacecraft of the kick stage, [[Company:Rocket Lab#Photon satellite bus|Photon]], which is intended for use on lunar and interplanetary missions. Photon will be capable of delivering small payloads of up to {{cvt|30|kg}} into lunar orbit.<ref name="payloadupgrade" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/10/rocket-lab-yep-rocket-lab-has-a-plan-to-deliver-satellites-to-the-moon/|title=Rocket Lab — yep, Rocket Lab — has a plan to deliver satellites to the Moon |publisher=Ars Technica|first=Eric|last=Berger|date=21 October 2019}}</ref>

The Electron payload Fairing is 2.5 m (8 feet and 2.4 inches) in length with a 1.2 m (3 feet and 11.2 inches) diameter and a total mass of 44 kg (97 lbm).

=== Production ===
Manufacturing the carbon composite components of the main flight structure has traditionally required 400 hours, with extensive hand labor in the process. In late 2019, Rocket Lab brought a new robotic manufacturing capability online to produce all composite parts for an Electron in just 12 hours. The robot was nicknamed "Rosie the Robot", after The Jetsons character. The process can make all the carbon fiber structures as well as handle cutting, drilling, and sanding such that the parts are ready for final assembly. The company objective as of November 2019 is to reduce the overall Electron manufacturing cycle to just seven days.<ref name=sn20191113>{{cite news|url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-introduces-robotic-manufacturing-system-to-increase-electron-production/|title=Rocket Lab introduces robotic manufacturing system to increase Electron production|publisher=SpaceNews|last=Foust|first=Jeff|date=13 November 2019|access-date=14 November 2019}}</ref><ref name=Forbes-20191121>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethhowell1/2019/11/21/spacex-competitors-rosie-the-robot-to-pump-out-rocket-parts-every-12-hours/|title=SpaceX Competitor's "Rosie the Robot" To Pump Out Rocket Parts Every 12 Hours|author=Elizabeth Howell|date=21 November 2019|magazine=Forbes}}</ref>

Rutherford engine production makes extensive use of additive manufacturing and has since the earliest flights of Electron. This allows the capability to scale production in a relatively straightforward manner by increasing the number and capability of 3D printers.<ref name=sn20191113/>

=== Reusability ===
[[File:Electron reuse ver.2.svg|thumb|upright=1.3|left|Rocket Lab's Electron return phases]]On 6 August 2019, Rocket Lab announced recovery and reflight plans for the first stage of Electron, although plans had started internally from late 2018.<ref name="RL20190806">{{Cite web |date=6 August 2019 |title=Rocket Lab Announces Reusability Plans For Electron Rocket |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/rocket-lab-announces-reusability-plans-for-electron-rocket/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806223120/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/rocket-lab-announces-reusability-plans-for-electron-rocket/ |archive-date=6 August 2019 |access-date=2020-07-10 |publisher=Rocket Lab USA}}</ref> Electron was not originally designed to be a [[Astronomy:Reusable launch system|reusable]] [[Engineering:Launch vehicle|launch vehicle]] as it is a [[Engineering:Small-lift launch vehicle|small-lift launch vehicle]] but was pursued due to increased understanding of Electron's performance based on analysis of previous flights through sensors on the vehicle. In addition, reusability was pursued to meet launch demands.<ref name="BeckArsInterview20190807">{{cite interview|last=Beck|first=Peter|interviewer=Berger Eric|title=Here's why Rocket Lab changed its mind on reusable launch|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/08/heres-why-rocket-lab-changed-its-mind-on-reusable-launch|date=2019-08-07}}</ref><ref name="Foust20190806">{{cite web|last1=Foust|first1=Jeff|title=Rocket Lab to attempt to reuse Electron first stage |url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-to-attempt-to-reuse-electron-first-stage/|publisher=SpaceNews|access-date=18 July 2020|date=6 August 2019}}</ref> To counteract decreased payload capacity caused by the added mass of recovery hardware, performance improvements to Electrons are expected.<ref name="Foust20190806"/>

Early phases of recovery included data gathering and surviving atmospheric reentry also known as "The Wall".<ref name="RL20190806" /><ref name="CNBCSheez20191206"/> The next phase will require a successful deployment of an aerodynamic decelerator or ballute to slow the booster followed by the deployment of [[Engineering:Parafoil|parafoil]] concluded by a touchdown in the ocean. After a successful touchdown in the ocean, the stage would be moved onto a ship for refurbishment and reflight.<ref name="NSF20190819">{{cite web|last=Atkinson|first=Ian|date=2019-08-19|title=Rocket Lab launches Electron flight 8. Company previews first stage recovery|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/08/rocket-lab-electron-flight-8-towards-first-stage-recovery/|access-date=2020-07-19|publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com}}</ref> Rocket Lab has not released information on aerodynamic decelerator that would be required to slow down the booster after atmospheric reentry.<ref name="BeckArsInterview20190807"/> Late phases of Electron reuse would involve using a parafoil and mid-air retrieval by a helicopter. After a successful mid-air retrieval the helicopter would bring the Electron to a ship that would bring the stage to the launch site for refurbishment and launch.<ref name="RL20190806" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Grush|first=Loren|date=2019-08-06|title=Small satellite launcher Rocket Lab unveils plans to recover its rockets midair with helicopters |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/6/20757441/rocket-lab-electron-reusable-helicopter-recovery-spacex|access-date=2020-07-18|publisher=The Verge}}</ref> Later, Rocket Lab abandoned the plan to catch the stage with a helicopter, and will use ocean landing instead. One recovered Rutherford engine passed five full-duration hot fire tests and is declared ready to fly again.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/rocket-lab-3d-printed-rutherford-engine-reusable-1850353780|title=Rocket Lab Will Attempt First Launch With a 3D-Printed Engine That's Already Flown to Space|date=19 April 2023 |publisher=Gizmodo}}</ref> Rocket Lab's 40th Electron mission<!--39th orbital launch, 40th mission--> successfully reused a refurbished Rutherford engine from a previous flight.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=2023-08-24 |title=The re-flight of a Rutherford engine demonstrates rocket reuse is here to stay |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/08/rocket-lab-joins-spacex-in-re-flying-a-rocket-engine-to-space/ |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Q3 2023 Investor Update |date=8 November 2023 |publisher=Rocket Lab USA |url=https://s28.q4cdn.com/737637457/files/doc_financials/2023/q3/FINAL_Rocket-Lab-Q3-2023-presentation_pdf_1.pdf#page=6}}</ref>

==== Aerothermal decelerator ====
Rocket Lab, while investigating reusability, decided that they will not pursue propulsive [[Engineering:SpaceX reusable launch system development program#Technologies|recovery like SpaceX]]. Instead they will use the atmosphere to slow down the booster in what is known as "aerothermal decelerator" technology. The exact methods used are proprietary but may include keeping proper orientation when reentering the atmosphere and other technologies.<ref name="CNBCSheez20191206">{{Cite web|last=Sheetz|first=Michael|date=2019-12-06|title=Rocket Lab "punched through the wall", CEO says, passing key milestone in effort to reuse rockets |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/06/rocket-lab-passed-key-milestone-to-recover-rockets-like-spacex.html|access-date=2020-07-19|publisher=CNBC}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Sheetz|first=Michael|date=2019-08-06 |title=Rocket Lab unveils plan to land small rockets by catching them with a helicopter|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/06/rocket-lab-plans-to-reuse-small-rockets-by-catching-with-a-helicopter.html|access-date=2020-07-19|publisher=CNBC}}</ref>

=== Vehicle modification history ===
The Electron initially had a payload capacity of {{cvt|150–225|kg|lb|abbr=on}} to a {{cvt|500|km}} [[Astronomy:Sun-synchronous orbit|Sun-synchronous orbit]].<ref name="rocketlab-electron"/><ref name="mahia_opens"/>

In pursuit of reusability, Rocket Lab has made changes to Electron. ''Flight 6'' and ''7'' ("That's a Funny Looking Cactus" and "Make it Rain") had instruments on the first stage needed to gather data to help with the reflight program. ''Flight 8'' ("Look Ma No Hands") had Brutus, an instrument that collected data from the first stage to study reentry and was designed to be able to survive splashdown in the ocean.<ref name="RL20190806"/><ref name="NSF20190819"/>

''Flight 10'' ("Running out of Fingers") had a block update to the first stage of the Electron to allow the first guided reentry of the first stage booster. Updates included additional hardware for guidance and navigation; onboard flight computers; and [[Astronomy:S band|S-Band]] telemetry to both gather and livestream data gathered during reentry. The first stage also had a [[Engineering:Reaction control system|reaction control system]] (RCS) to orient the booster.<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 November 2019|title=Next Generation Electron Booster on the Pad for Rocket Lab's 10th Mission|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/next-generation-electron-booster-on-the-pad-for-rocket-labs-10th-mission/|access-date=19 July 2020|publisher=Rocket Lab USA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Foust|first=Jeff|date=2019-12-06|title=Electron launches smallsats in test of rocket reusability |url=https://spacenews.com/electron-launches-smallsats-in-test-of-rocket-reusability/|access-date=2020-07-19|publisher=SpaceNews}}</ref> After stage separation, the first stage using the new hardware installed flipped 180° to prepare for reentry. Throughout the reentry the stage was guided though the atmosphere such that it has the right orientation and angle of attack for the base [[Astronomy:Heat shield|heat shield]] to protect the booster from destruction using RCS and onboard computers.<ref name="CNBCSheez20191206" /><ref name="Clark20191206">{{cite web|last=Clark|first=Stephen|date=6 December 2019|title=Rocket Lab's 10th launch tests booster recovery technology|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/12/06/rocket-labs-10th-launch-tests-booster-recovery-technology/|access-date=2020-07-19|publisher=Spaceflight Now}}</ref> The booster successfully survived its guided re-entry despite having no deceleration hardware onboard and destructively splashed down into the ocean at {{cvt|900|kph|m/s mph}} as planned if reentry was successful.<ref name="CNBCSheez20191206"/><ref name="flight10booster">{{cite web|last=Sampson|first=Ben|date=9 December 2019|title=Rocket Lab successfully flight tests re-entry of rocket booster |url=https://www.aerospacetestinginternational.com/news/space/rocket-lab-successfully-flight-tests-re-entry-of-rocket-booster.html|access-date=11 December 2019|publisher=Aerospace Testing International}}</ref> Rocket Lab had no plans to recover the stage and instead wanted to demonstrate the ability to successfully reenter.<ref name="Clark20191206"/> ''Flight 11'' ("Birds of a Feather") demonstrated similar success.<ref>{{cite web|last=Clark|first=Stephen|date=31 January 2020|title=Rocket Lab successfully launches NRO satellite|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/01/31/rocket-lab-successfully-launches-nro-satellite/ |access-date=2020-07-19|publisher=Spaceflight Now}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=31 January 2020|title=Rocket Lab Successfully Deploys NRO Satellite On 11th Electron Mission |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/rocket-lab-successfully-deploys-nro-satellite-on-11th-electron-mission/|access-date=2020-07-19|publisher=Rocket Lab USA}}</ref> No further atmospheric reentry tests similar to flight 10 and 11 are expected.<ref name="NSF20200612">{{cite web|last=Fletcher|first=Colin|date=2020-06-12|title=Rocket Lab launches 12th Electron, continues work on future plans |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/06/rocket-lab-launch-12th-electron-future-plans/|access-date=2020-07-19|publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com}}</ref>

Following ''Flight 11'' ("Birds of a Feather"), in mid-February 2020, low altitude tests were done to test parachutes. In April 2020, Rocket Lab shared the successful demonstration of mid-air retrieval done in March 2020. An Electron test article was dropped by a helicopter and deployed its parachutes. A helicopter carrying a long-boom snagged a drogue line from the parachute at {{cvt|1500|m}} demonstrating a successful retrieval. Following the catch the test article was brought back to land.<ref name="NSF20200612"/><ref name="Clark20200415">{{cite web|last=Clark|first=Stephen|date=15 April 2020 |title=Rocket Lab reports recovery test success|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/04/15/rocket-lab-reports-recovery-test-success/|access-date=2020-07-19|publisher=Spaceflight Now}}</ref>

''Flight 16'' ("Return to Sender"), was the first to recover the first stage booster, with a splashdown into the [[Earth:Pacific Ocean|Pacific Ocean]].<ref name="Clark20200415"/><ref name="SpaceNews 2020">{{cite web|title=Rocket Lab launches Electron in test of booster recovery|publisher=SpaceNews|date=2020-11-20|url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-launches-electron-in-test-of-booster-recovery/|access-date=2020-11-20}}</ref> The rocket also lofted thirty payloads into [[Astronomy:Sun-synchronous orbit|Sun-synchronous orbit]], including a titanium mass simulator in the shape of the garden gnome "Gnome Chompski" from the video game [[Software:Half-Life 2|Half-Life 2]].<ref name="SpaceNews November 11, 2020">{{cite web|title=Rocket Lab to attempt Electron stage recovery on next launch|publisher=SpaceNews|date=2020-11-05|url=https://dev.spacenews.com/rocket-lab-to-attempt-electron-stage-recovery-on-next-launch/|access-date=2020-11-20}}</ref><ref name="Ryan 2020">{{cite web|last=Ryan|first=Jackson|title=Half-Life 2's garden gnome reaches space aboard Rocket Lab's Electron|publisher=CNET|date=2020-11-19 |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/half-life-2s-garden-gnome-reaches-space-aboard-rocket-labs-electron/|access-date=2020-11-20}}</ref>

In August 2020, Rocket Lab announced increased payload of Electron to {{cvt|225–300|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. The payload capacity increase was mainly due to battery advancements. The increased payload capacity allows offset of mass added by recovery technology. In addition, more payload mass could be flown on interplanetary missions and others when Electron is expended.<ref name="payloadupgrade">{{cite web|title=Rocket Lab Increases Electron Payload Capacity, Enabling Interplanetary Missions and Reusability|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/rocket-lab-increases-electron-payload-capacity-enabling-interplanetary-missions-and-reusability/|access-date=2020-08-04|publisher=Rocket Lab USA}}</ref>

====Fairings====
Rocket Lab also announced several custom fairings, including an expanded fairing (1.2x standard), a normal expanded fairing, an extended fairing and a dual stack fairing. The standard fairing has a usable diameter of 1.07 m (3,51 ft) while an expanded fairing has a diameter of 1.56 m (5.12 ft).<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 November 2022 |title=Payload User Guide 7.0 |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/assets/Uploads/Electron-Payload-User-Guide-7.0.pdf |access-date=16 November 2023 |website=rocketlabusa.com |publisher=Rocket Lab}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Rocket Lab Launch Payload Users Guide 6.5|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/assets/Uploads/Rocket-Lab-Launch-Payload-Users-Guide-6.5.pdf|publisher=Rocket Lab USA|access-date=8 August 2020}}</ref><ref name="Foust20200811">{{cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-ready-to-attempt-electron-booster-recovery/|title=Rocket Lab ready to attempt Electron booster recovery |date=2020-08-11|publisher=SpaceNews|last=Foust|first=Jeff}}</ref> The StriX-α mission for [[Company:Synspective|Synspective]] in December 2020 used an extended fairing.<ref>{{cite news |title=Calendario de Lanzamientos|url=https://cosmos.etsit.urjc.es/magazine/202101.pdf|work=COSMOS|publisher=Asociación Aeroespacial COSMOS|page=18|language=es|date=January 2021|access-date=9 December 2021|quote=15/12 The Owl’s Night Begins [...] Lanzamiento del satélite StriX-α. Su tamaño obligó a utilizar una cofia extendida|ref=No. 9}}</ref>

==== Autonomous flight termination systems ====
Rocket Lab developed their own AFTS for launches from New Zealand from Dec 2019,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rocket Lab Debuts Fully Autonomous Flight Termination System|url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-debuts-fully-autonomous-flight-termination-system/|access-date=2020-09-15|website=spaceref.com|date=9 December 2019}}</ref> but for the first launch from US they used the NASA Autonomous Flight Termination Unit.<ref>[https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/NASA_safety_system_enables_Rocket_Lab_launch_from_Wallops_999.html ''NASA safety system enables Rocket Lab launch from Wallops'' Jan 2023]</ref>

== Applications ==
Electron is designed to launch a {{cvt|200–300|kg|abbr=on}} payload to a {{cvt|500|km}} [[Astronomy:Sun-synchronous orbit|Sun-synchronous orbit]], suitable for [[Engineering:CubeSat|CubeSat]]s and other [[Engineering:Small satellite|small payloads]].<ref name=RL08042020/> In October 2018, Rocket Lab opened a factory large enough to produce more than 50 rockets per year according to the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://everydayastronaut.com/inside-rocketlab/|title=Exclusive inside look at Rocket Lab's secret new mega factory!|publisher=Everyday Astronaut|first=Tim|last=Dodd|date=11 October 2018|access-date=12 October 2018|archive-date=12 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012134827/https://everydayastronaut.com/inside-rocketlab/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Customers may choose to encapsulate their spacecraft in payload fairings provided by the company, which can be easily attached to the rocket shortly before launch.<ref name="userguide">{{cite web|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/assets/Uploads/Payload-User-Guide.pdf|title=Payload User's Guide|publisher=Rocket Lab USA|version=4.0|date=December 2016|access-date=26 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130054349/https://www.rocketlabusa.com/assets/Uploads/Payload-User-Guide.pdf|archive-date=30 November 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The starting price for delivering payloads to orbit is about US$7.5 million per launch, or US$25,000  per kg, which offers the only dedicated service at this price point.<ref name="bloomberg02032020"/><ref name="wapo10022020"/>

[[Engineering:Moon Express|Moon Express]] contracted Rocket Lab to launch [[Astronomy:Lunar lander|lunar lander]]s (multiple launches contracted, some planned for Moon Express operations after GLXP) on an Electron to compete for the Google Lunar X Prize (GLXP).<ref name="verge_launch">{{cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/21/16915996/rocket-lab-electron-orbit-still-testing-small-satellites-success|title=Spaceflight startup Rocket Lab sends its Electron rocket to orbit for the first time|publisher=The Verge|last1=Grush|first1=Loren|date=21 January 2018|access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref> None of the contenders met the prize deadline, and the competition was closed without a winner.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.space.com/39467-google-lunar-xprize-moon-race-ends.html|title=Ex-Prize: Google's US$30 Million Moon Race Ends with No Winner |publisher=Space.com|first=Mike|last=Wall|date=23 January 2018|access-date=27 January 2018}}</ref> For sometime after the closure of GLXP, the Moon Express Electron launches remained scheduled, but before February 2020, all the launches of Moon Express using Electron were canceled.<ref name="MoonEx-Feb2020">{{blist|{{cite tweet|author=Moon Express|user=MoonEx|number=1226582161735553025|title=There is no upcoming launch with RocketLab. We contracted with RocketLab back in 2015 for a GLXP attempt. We are currently focused on efforts supporting NASA under our Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) contract.|date=9 February 2020|access-date=26 February 2020}} }}</ref>

=== Suborbital launches ===
In April 2023, Rocket Lab announced an Electron derivative vehicle named '''HASTE''' ('''Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron''') capable of delivering 700 kg on a suborbital trajectory. Customers include Dynetics, who is using the rocket to launch test vehicles under the MACH-TB program.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-17 |title=Rocket Lab Introduces Suborbital Testbed Rocket, Selected for Hypersonic Test Flights |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230417005343/en/Rocket-Lab-Introduces-Suborbital-Testbed-Rocket-Selected-for-Hypersonic-Test-Flights |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=www.businesswire.com |language=en}}</ref> The first launch, DYNAMO-A, occurred on June 18, 2023 from Launch Complex-2 (LP-0C) in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sesnic |first1=Trevor |title=Launch Roundup - Rocket Lab launches first HASTE mission; SpaceX to launch Satria |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2023/06/launch-roundup/ |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |access-date=18 June 2023 |date=17 June 2023}}</ref>

== Launch sites ==
[[File:Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 (Sept 2016).jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|left|The [[Māhia Peninsula|Māhia]] launch site under construction in 2016]]

The rocket is launched from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 on Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand.<ref name=ft_launch/> The launch pad's remote and sparsely populated location is intended to enable a high frequency of launches.<ref name=ft_launch/> The rocket and launch pad were both privately funded, the first time all parts of an [[Engineering:Orbital spaceflight|orbital launch]] operation were entirely run by the [[Finance:Private sector|private sector]] (other [[Engineering:Private spaceflight|private spaceflight]] companies lease launch facilities from government agencies or only launch suborbital rockets).<ref name=ft_launch/><ref name="mahia_opens">{{cite news |url=https://www.space.com/34195-rocket-lab-opens-private-launch-site-new-zealand.html|title=Rocket Lab Opens Private Orbital Launch Site in New Zealand|work=Space.com|last1=Cofield|first1=Calla|date=26 September 2016|access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref>

In October 2018, Rocket Lab selected Virginia Space's Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) at the [[Organization:Wallops Flight Facility|Wallops Flight Facility]], Virginia, as its future secondary launch site in the United States, called Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-10-17|title=Rocket Lab selects Wallops for U.S. launch site|url=https://spacenews.com/breaking-rocket-lab-chooses-wallops-as-its-u-s-launch-site/|access-date=2022-01-28|website=SpaceNews|language=en-US}}</ref> Launch Complex 2 (LC-2) is expected to serve government customers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/06/29/rocket-lab-flies-again-from-new-zealand-as-construction-advances-at-virginia-launch-pad/|title=Rocket Lab flies again from New Zealand as work progresses at Virginia launch pad|publisher=Spaceflight Now|last=Clark|first=Stephen|date=29 June 2019|access-date=6 July 2019}}</ref>

The first launch from LC-2 happened on 24 January 2023. An Electron rocket successfully orbited 3 satellites.<ref name="lc2firstlaunch">{{Cite web |last=Harwood |first=William |date=2023-01-24 |title=Rocket Lab launches 3 satellites in first mission from U.S. soil |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rocket-lab-launches-three-satellites-in-first-mission-from-u-s-soil/ |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}</ref>

Additionally, the [[Organization:UK Space Agency|UK Space Agency]] is giving [[Organization:Highlands and Islands Enterprise|Highlands and Islands Enterprise]] the opportunity to develop an Electron launch pad on the A' Mhòine Peninsula in Sutherland, Scotland.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44841123|title=Scotland to host first UK spaceport|work=BBC News|last1=Amos|first1=Jonathan|access-date=16 July 2018|date=16 July 2018}}</ref> The location would be named Sutherland spaceport.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spacetv.net/sutherland-spaceport-scotland/|title=Sutherland Spaceport Scotland|publisher=SpaceTV|access-date=22 August 2019}}</ref>

== Launch history ==
{{Main|Engineering:List of Electron launches}}
[[File:200131-D-RQ659-0001.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|right|A National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) payload was successfully launched aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from Launch Complex-1]]

The Electron has flown 73 times since May 2017, with a total of 69 successes and 4 failures, Including 5 suborbital flight from the HASTE program. The initial test flight, called "It's a Test", failed due to a glitch in communication equipment on the ground, but the follow-up missions, called "Still Testing", "It's Business Time" and "This One's For Pickering", delivered multiple small payloads to low Earth orbit.<ref name="Flight1analysis" /><ref name="spacenews20170807" /> In August 2019, a mission named "Look Ma, No Hands" successfully delivered four satellites to orbit,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-electron-launches-four-satellites-eighth-flight.html |title=Rocket Lab Electron Booster Launches 4 Satellites Into Orbit |work=Space.com |last1=Howell |first1=Elizabeth |access-date=22 August 2019 |date=19 August 2019}}</ref> and in October 2019, the mission named "As the Crow Flies" successfully launched from Māhia LC-1, deploying a small satellite and its kick stage into a 400&nbsp;km parking orbit.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/10/16/rocket-lab-successfully-launches-fifth-electron-rocket-this-year/|title=Rocket Lab successfully launches fifth Electron rocket this year |publisher=TechCrunch|first=Darrell|last=Etherington|date=16 October 2019|access-date=20 November 2019}}</ref> In July 2020, the thirteenth Electron rocket launch failed with customer payloads on board, the first failure after the maiden flight.<ref name="RL13failure">{{cite web|last1=Foust|first1=Jeff|date=4 July 2020|title=Rocket Lab Electron launch fails|url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-electron-launch-fails/|access-date=4 July 2020|publisher=SpaceNews}}</ref> In May 2021, the twentieth launch also failed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rocket Lab's 20th Electron launch ends in failure with the loss of its payload|url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/05/15/rocket-labs-20th-electron-launch-ends-in-failure-with-the-loss-of-its-payload/|access-date=2021-05-15|website=TechCrunch|date=15 May 2021|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Notable launches ===
* "Still Testing", Electron's first successful launch<ref>{{cite news|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/01/21/rocket-lab-delivers-nanosatellites-to-orbit-on-first-successful-test-launch/|title=Rocket Lab delivers nanosatellites to orbit on first successful test launch|publisher=Spaceflight Now|last=Clark|first=Stephen|date=21 January 2018|access-date=15 June 2019}}</ref>
* [[Astronomy:Educational Launch of Nanosatellites|ELaNa-19]] "This One's For Pickering", Electron's first NASA-sponsored launch<ref>{{cite news |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/12/17/nasa-rocket-lab-partner-on-successful-satellite-launch-from-new-zealand/|title=NASA, Rocket Lab partner on successful satellite launch from New Zealand |publisher=Spaceflight Now|last=Clark|first=Stephen|date=17 December 2018|access-date=15 June 2019}}</ref>
* NROL-151, "Birds of a Feather", Electron's first NRO-sponsored launch<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wall |first=Mike |date=31 January 2020 |title=Rocket Lab launches satellite for U.S. spysat agency, guides booster back to Earth |url=https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-launches-nrol-151-spysat.html |access-date=2020-02-05 |publisher=Space.com}}</ref>
* "Return to Sender", Electron's first ocean recovery of the first stage<ref>{{cite web|title=Return to Sender|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/completed-missions/flight-16/|access-date=2020-12-01 |publisher=Rocket Lab USA}}</ref>
*"It's a little Chile up here", Electron's first launch of the Space Test Program.
* [[Astronomy:CAPSTONE|CAPSTONE]], Electron's first launch to the Moon.
* HawkEye 360 Cluster 6, "Virginia is for Launch Lovers", Electron's first launch from Launch Complex 2 at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport.

=== Launch statistics ===
{{Excerpt|List of Electron rocket launches|Launch statistics|subsections=yes}}

== See also ==
*[[Engineering:List of Electron launches|List of Electron launches]]
* [[Engineering:Comparison of orbital launcher families|Comparison of orbital launcher families]]
* [[Astronomy:Comparison of orbital launch systems|Comparison of orbital launch systems]]
* {{annotated link|Engineering:Small-lift launch vehicle}}
* {{annotated link|Engineering:Falcon 1}}
* {{annotated link|Engineering:Firefly Alpha}}
* {{annotated link|Engineering:Miura 5}}
* {{annotated link|Engineering:Vector-R}}

== Notes ==
{{Notelist|refs=
<ref name="HASTE">Including suborbital flight of the HASTE program.</ref>
}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="rocketlabs-electron201607">{{cite web|url=http://www.rocketlabusa.com/|title=Electron|publisher=Rocket Lab USA|date=March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717122422/http://www.rocketlabusa.com/|archive-date=17 July 2016|access-date=20 September 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="bbc20170525">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39971843|title=New Zealand space launch is first from a private site|work=BBC News|date=25 May 2017|access-date=26 May 2017}}</ref>

<ref name="Flight1result">{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/world-news/new-zealand-test-rocket-makes-it-to-space-but-not-into-orbit-35753899.html|title=New Zealand test rocket makes it to space but not into orbit|website=independent.ie|agency=Associated Press|date=25 May 2017|access-date=25 May 2017}}</ref>

<ref name="b14643-electronnlvdescription">{{cite web|url=http://www.b14643.de/Spacerockets_1/Rest_World/Electron-NLV/Description/Text.htm|title=Electron NLV|first=Norbert|last=Brügge|publisher=B14643.de |access-date=20 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927021902/http://www.b14643.de/Spacerockets_1/Rest_World/Electron-NLV/Description/Text.htm|archive-date=27 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="b14643-electronnlvpropulsion">{{cite web|url=http://www.b14643.de/Spacerockets_1/Rest_World/Electron-NLV/Propulsion/engines.htm|title=Electron Propulsion|first=Norbert|last=Brügge |publisher=B14643.de|access-date=20 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927030743/http://www.b14643.de/Spacerockets_1/Rest_World/Electron-NLV/Propulsion/engines.htm|archive-date=27 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="rocketlabs-propulsion20160919">{{cite web|url=https://rocketlabusa.com/about-us/propulsion/|title=Propulsion|publisher=Rocket Lab USA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919222251/https://rocketlabusa.com/about-us/propulsion/|archive-date=19 September 2016|access-date=19 September 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="Flight1analysis">{{cite web|url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/latest/rocket-lab-completes-post-flight-analysis/|title=Rocket Lab Completes Post-Flight Analysis|publisher=Rocket Lab USA|date=7 August 2017|access-date=7 August 2017}}</ref>

<ref name="spacenews20170807">{{cite news|url=http://spacenews.com/telemetry-glitch-kept-first-electron-rocket-from-reaching-orbit/|title=Telemetry glitch kept first Electron rocket from reaching orbit |publisher=SpaceNews|first=Jeff|last=Foust|date=7 August 2017|access-date=9 August 2017}}</ref>

<ref name="pm-stage3-lunar">{{cite web |title=Rocket Lab Peter Beck - SmallSat 2022 Keynote |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d2VZezle4s |website=YouTube | date=18 August 2022 |publisher=Rocket Lab}}</ref>
}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.rocketlabusa.com/electron/ Electron website] at RocketLabUSA.com
* [https://www.rocketlabusa.com/assets/Uploads/Electron-Payload-User-Guide-7.0.pdf Electron Payload User's Guide] at RocketLabUSA.com
* {{YouTube|0nfiXdBS2Do|Computer simulation of an Electron launch}}

{{Orbital launch systems}}
{{Reusable launch systems}}
{{Rocket Lab}}

[[Category:Expendable space launch systems]]
[[Category:Microsatellite launch vehicles]]
[[Category:2017 in spaceflight]]

{{Sourceattribution|Rocket Lab Electron}}