News

Rocket Lab has been granted FAA authorization to resume its launch operations following an in-flight anomaly during an Electron launch in September. The company is expected to return to launching rockets this quarter.

Despite receiving the go-ahead, Rocket Lab is still conducting a thorough review to determine the root cause of the anomaly. The review process involves a comprehensive test campaign to recreate the issue and investigate all potential causes. The anomaly occurred during the “We Will Never Desert You” mission, resulting in the loss of a Capella Space satellite.

Rocket Lab’s Electron is a light lift launch vehicle designed to deliver satellites to low Earth orbit. The rocket failed shortly after second stage engine ignition, breaking a streak of 20 consecutive successful Electron missions. However, the company’s founder and CEO, Peter Beck, stated that the fault is likely to be something complex and extremely rare that hasn’t been seen before.

The FAA is overseeing Rocket Lab’s investigation into the mishap to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also observing the investigation. A detailed review of the root cause is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

Rocket Lab’s upcoming third-quarter financial results, set to be released on November 8, may provide insight into the financial impacts of the launch failure. The company has numerous contracted missions lined up, including deliveries for NorthStar Earth & Space, NASA, HawkEye 360, and Kinéis.

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