Rocket Lab will be trying to recover the first stage. The booster will be slowed down by a parachute and splash down in the ocean, where it will be recovered by ship. Helicopter recovery will be attempted as soon as Rocket Lab is satisfied with their reentry procedures.
Rocket Lab's helicopter recovery concept: Electron Is Going Reusable
The launch takes place at Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand.
The mission is called Return to Sender and is a rideshare for 30 satellites.
Payload mass is 300 kg. Target is a sun synchronous 500 km orbit.
Why it's interesting:
- 16th launch of the Electron rocket by Rocket Lab
- Attempt at reuse.
- The engines are 3D printed
- Fuel pumps are battery powered.
- The stages are built out of carbon composite material.
- Kiwis in space
Where to watch:
Tim Dodd will be live streaming 30 minutes before launch: The Everyday Astronaut
15 minutes before launch: Rocket Lab
Valve, one of the launch customers will donate $1 for every viewer to Starship children's hospital.
Or
Check your local time of launch at: www.timeanddate.com
Useful links to stay up to date on launches:
Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule
Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews
Space News:
NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com
Be aware, this is rocket surgery.
Small disturbances can lead to postponed launches. Making sure everything is just right is way cheaper than risking big fireworks.