
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
Knesset FADC extends emergency draft for 280,000 IDF reservists until January 1 - 2
Taylor Frankie Paul's domestic violence case is fueling discussions about DARVO. Experts say terms like this shouldn't be used lightly. - 3
Japan prepares to restart world's biggest nuclear plant, 15 years after Fukushima - 4
Remain Cool and Solid: Top Summer Food sources for 2024 - 5
Ukraine proved this drone-killer works. Now, the West is giving it a shot.
Accomplishing Balance between fun and serious activities: Procedures for a Better Life
Vehicle Lovers' Decision: Purchase A Reasonable Vehicle
Former defense minister Gallant vacated home over security threat under Shin Bet direction
FDA official discusses potential link between COVID-19 vaccines and pediatric deaths
Idris Elba is the king of the stress-watch
Remain Fit and Sound with These Exercise Fundamentals
Who is behind Al-Majd, the Israeli-linked evacuation group sending Gazans to South Africa?
NASA satellite gazes into Medusa Pool | Space photo of the day for Dec. 24, 2025
Turning to turkey’s tryptophan to boost mood? Not so fast













