Launch Success
Liftoff Time (GMT)
23:27:00
Thursday March 28, 2019
Watch Replay
Official Livestream
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According to Rocket Lab, DARPA’s Radio Frequency Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration (R3D2) "intends to space-qualify a prototype reflect array antenna to improve radio communications in small spacecraft. The antenna, made of a tissue-thin Kapton membrane, packs tightly inside the small satellite for stowage during launch, before deploying to its full size of 2.25 meters in diameter once it reaches low Earth orbit. This high compaction ratio enables larger antennas in smaller satellites, enabling satellite owners to take advantage of volume-limited launch opportunities while still providing significant capability. The mission could help validate emerging concepts for a resilient sensor and data transport layer in low Earth orbit – a capability that does not exist today, but one which could revolutionize global communications by laying the groundwork for a space-based internet."
Low Earth Orbit
1 Payload
150 kilograms
Agency
Rocket LabPrice
$7.50 million
Rocket
Height: 18m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 320 kg
Liftoff Thrust
224 Kilonewtons
Fairing
Diameter: 1.2m
Height: 4.05m
Stages
3
5th
Mission
1st
Mission of 2019
5th
Mission
1st
Mission of 2019
19th
Orbital launch attempt