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Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

23:27:00

Thursday March 28, 2019

Watch Replay

Official Livestream

Mission Details

Read Article

DARPA R3D2

Wiki

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

Rocket

Active
Electron/Curie

Active Since 2018


Price

$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

Launch Site

Rocket Lab LC-1A

Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand

Fastest Turnaround

15 days 1 hour

Stats

Electron


5th

Mission

1st

Mission of 2019

Rocket Lab


5th

Mission

1st

Mission of 2019

2019


19th

Orbital launch attempt