The Electron is a two-stage, partially reusable orbital launch vehicle developed by Rocket Lab, an American aerospace company with a wholly owned New Zealand subsidiary. It serves the commercial small satellite launch market and is the third most launched small-lift launch vehicle in history. The rocket’s Rutherford engines are notable for being the first electric-pump-fed engines to power an orbital-class rocket.
Design and Construction
Electron is often flown with a kick stage or Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft. Although initially designed to be expendable, Rocket Lab has successfully recovered the first stage twice and is working towards reusing the booster. The Flight 26 booster featured the first helicopter catch recovery attempt. However, Rocket Lab has since abandoned the idea of catching Electron.
Electron uses two stages with a diameter of 1.2 meters, filled with RP-1 and liquid oxygen propellants. The rocket’s main body is constructed from lightweight carbon composite material. Both stages are powered by Rutherford engines, which utilize electric pumps powered by lithium-polymer batteries. The first stage is equipped with nine Rutherford engines, delivering 162 kN of thrust, while the second stage has a single vacuum-optimized Rutherford engine, providing 22 kN of thrust. Notably, almost all engine components are 3D printed to save time and reduce manufacturing costs.
The Third Stage
Rocket Lab has developed an optional third stage, known as the “kick stage,” designed to circularize the orbits of its satellite payloads. This stage enables more accurate orbit insertion in less time. Equipped with a single Curie engine capable of multiple burns, the kick stage can transport up to 150 kg of payload. Rocket Lab has also developed a derivative spacecraft of the kick stage, Photon, intended for lunar and interplanetary missions.
Flight Qualification and record
In December 2016, Electron completed flight qualification. Its maiden flight occurred on 25 May 2017, reaching space but not achieving orbit due to a ground communication glitch. The second flight, on 21 January 2018, successfully reached orbit and deployed three CubeSats. The first commercial launch took place on 11 November 2018. As of now, Electron has launched successfully 46 times, with an additional 4 failures, totaling 50 launches.
Technical Specifications
- Height: 18 meters (59 feet)
- Diameter: 1.2 meters (3.9 feet)
- Mass: Approximately 13,000 kilograms (28,660 pounds) at liftoff
- Payload Capacity:
- Up to 300 kg (660 pounds) to a 500 km (310 miles) Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO)
- Engine Construction: Rutherford engines are 3D-printed, enabling rapid production and reduced costs.
Launch Infrastructure
- Primary Site: Launch Complex 1, Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand
- Secondary Site: Launch Complex 2, Wallops Island, Virginia, USA
Current Status
Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket is a significant advancement in the small satellite launch market, offering innovative design features and a growing track record of successful missions.
