EDIT1: Rocket Lab is takeing an extra 24 hours for final checkout. It will have no influence on the arrival time at the planned lunar orbit.
Rocket Lab will be sending a 300kg payload in an orbit around the Moon for NASA. The experiment is called "Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment" (CAPSTONE).
There are two main objectives:
- study this specific, verry efficient, orbit around the Moon.
- testing of navigation technology
Anton Petrov is explaining why this mission is happening: NASA Is Testing an Unusual Orbit For the Lunar Gateway Station
a.i.solutions: Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit Explained and Visualized
a.i.solutions: Modeling and Visualizing the Lunar Gateway Orbit
a.i.solutions website: ai-solutions.com
The launch takes place at Mahia Peninsula, Launch Complex 1A, in New Zealand. There will be no attempt at recovering the first stage.
Rocket Lab's mission website: CAPSTONE.
Why it's interesting:
- 27th launch of the Electron rocket by Rocket Lab
- First deep space mission for Rocket Lab
- The engines are 3D printed
- Fuel pumps are battery powered
- The stages are built out of carbon composite material
- Potentially reusable first stage
Where to watch:
- 15 minutes before launch: Rocket Lab
- 30 mintues before launch: Tim Dodd
Check your local launch time at: www.timeanddate.com
Tim Dodd: How Rocket Lab will catch a rocket with a helicopter!
Scott Manley: RocketLab & Reusable Rockets - Plasma Knives, Ballutes, Helicopters and... Elephants
Tim Dodd: Who will be the KING of the Small Sat Launchers?!
Tim Dodd: Talking about Rocket Lab’s Neutron with Peter Beck - 19.12.21
Scott Manley: Rocket Lab's Neutron Rocket's Innovative Design Explained By Peter Beck - CEO of Rocket Lab - 21.12.21
Tim Dodd: A chat with Rocket Lab's CEO Peter Beck about Neutron, Electron recovery and Rocket Lab's future! - 15.04.21
Tim Dodd: A conversation with Rocket Lab's Peter Beck on recovering Electron - 19.12.19
Tim Dodd: A conversation with Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck - 02.11.18
Rocket Lab: Neutron Rocket | Development Update - 02.12.21
Rocket Lab: Rocket Lab | Global Facilities Tour - 04.08.21
Useful links to stay up to date on launches:
Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule
Nextspaceflight: Launches
Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews
Space News:
NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com