Rocket Lab Launcher

So at this time CAPSTONE isn't talking to the ground, it could be dead, it might be confused, it might wake up any time.
Now I'm wondering whether Photon can enter NRHO and achieve some of the mission goals. It has the propellent, but lacks the avionics needed to talk to LRO.
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https://twitter.com/x/status/1544370319254700033
View: https://twitter.com/DJSnM/status/1544370319254700033

During commissioning activities an anomaly was experienced related to the communication subsystem; the operations team is actively working this issue with the Deep Space Network and determining the best next steps.

As a result of this anomaly, the first trajectory correction maneuver – originally scheduled for the morning of July 5th – has been delayed. This maneuver is designed to more accurately target the transfer orbit to the Moon. This maneuver is the first in a series that are designed to make small corrections to increase the accuracy of the transfer orbit to the Moon. The spacecraft remains on the overall intended ballistic lunar transfer (BLT) while this targeting maneuver is delayed.
One of the benefits of the BLT, the designed trajectory, is its robustness to delays such as this.
The mission transfer approach and system margins provide time to resolve and understand this anomaly before proceeding with the first trajectory correction maneuver.
At the time of publication, the CAPSTONE spacecraft is currently approximately 285,000 km from Earth (~8 times GEO) on its planned ballistic transfer orbit to the Moon.
Spacecraft was commissioning nominally for the first 11 hours.

Spacecraft was deployed successfully from the launch vehicle.
Spacecraft successfully deployed solar arrays, achieved three-axis stabilization, and entered a battery charging mode.
Spacecraft successfully executed Earth-pointing mode, communicated with DSN stations in Madrid Spain and the operations team began check-out and commissioning of the spacecraft.
The operations team was able to determine spacecraft state (position and velocity) and design initial trajectory correction maneuver.
Propulsion system was commissioned and prepared for the first trajectory correction maneuver.
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CAPSTONE Mission: 05 July 2022 Update | Advanced Space

advancedspace.com advancedspace.com
 
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The reason for CAPSTONE losing contact has now been discovered.

Mission Team Determines Cause of Communications Issues for NASA’s CAPSTONE

After a thorough review, teams have determined what led to CAPSTONE’s communications issue that began on July 4.

During commissioning of NASA’s CAPSTONE (short for Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) spacecraft, the Deep Space Network team noted inconsistent ranging data. While investigating this, the spacecraft operations team attempted to access diagnostic data on the spacecraft’s radio and sent an improperly formatted command that made the radio inoperable. The spacecraft fault detection system should have immediately rebooted the radio but did not because of a fault in the spacecraft flight software.

CAPSTONE’s autonomous flight software system eventually cleared the fault and brought the spacecraft back into communication with the ground, allowing the team to implement recovery procedures and begin commanding the spacecraft again.

While CAPSTONE was out of contact with Earth, the spacecraft autonomously maintained its orientation to keep its antenna pointed towards Earth and allow the solar panels to keep its battery charged. CAPSTONE also used its thrusters to perform a standard maneuver to dump excess momentum from its reaction wheels, which are internal wheels that help the spacecraft rotate and point itself.

The mission operations team conducted CAPSTONE’s first trajectory correction maneuver at approximately 11:30 a.m. EDT today. Teams are currently reviewing the data to ensure the maneuver was successful, and an update will be provided later. This maneuver will more precisely target the spacecraft’s transfer orbit to the Moon.

Author Sarah Frazier
Posted on July 7, 2022 1:18 pm
Categories Uncategorized
Tags CAPSTONE, Cubesats, Gateway, Moon
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Mission Team Determines Cause of Communications Issues for NASA’s CAPSTONE – Artemis

blogs.nasa.gov blogs.nasa.gov
 
Rocket Lab to Supply Solar Power for United States Space Force’s New Missile Warning Satellites

07/27/2022

The solar cell assemblies will power three Lockheed Martin spacecraft designed to provide resilient space-based global missile warning capabilities to meet evolving threats from adversaries under the United States Space Force’s Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next Gen OPIR) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) program

LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a leading launch and space systems company, announced that its high-efficiency, radiation-hardened Coverglass Interconnected solar Cell (CIC) assemblies will power the three Lockheed Martin Next Gen OPIR GEO (NGG) satellites for the United States Space Force (USSF). The NGG program will deliver resilient global missile warning capabilities to counter emerging missile and counter-space threats and is part of the latest evolution of the USSF’s missile warning system, following the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) program, which was supported by SolAero, a space solar power company acquired by Rocket Lab in January 2022.

“We are excited to continue our long-term partnership with Lockheed Martin by powering the Next Gen OPIR GEO satellites,” said Brad Clevenger, Rocket Lab’s Vice President & General Manager, Space Systems Power Solutions. “These satellites are critical to the mission needs of the United States Space Force and our national security, and we are proud to be supporting their production on an aggressive schedule.”

Rocket Lab’s CICs will be integrated into the solar panels and arrays on the Lockheed Martin-designed and built spacecraft. The spacecraft recently successfully passed critical design review, a major milestone in becoming certified for space. The first of the three satellites is scheduled to launch in 2025.

Founded in 1998 and acquired by Rocket Lab in January 2022, Albuquerque, New Mexico-based SolAero has produced solar cells, solar panels, and composite structural products for more than 1,000 successful space missions with 100% reliability. Over the past two decades, SolAero’s products have played key roles in some of the industry’s most ambitious space missions, including supplying power to NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, James Webb Space Telescope, and Mars Insight Lander, as well as several Cygnus Cargo Resupply Missions to the International Space Station.
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Rocket Lab to Supply Solar Power for United States Space Force’s New Missile Warning Satellites

The solar cell assemblies will power three Lockheed Martin spacecraft designed to provide resilient space-based global missile warning capabilities to meet evolving threats from adversaries under the United States Space Force’s Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next Gen OPIR)...
investors.rocketlabusa.com investors.rocketlabusa.com
 
CAPSTONE is build by Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems and managed by Advanced Space, it's now there problem.
Rocket Lab just launch it

the company made successful it's 30th launch.
 

Rocket Lab Selects NASA Stennis Space Center for Neutron Engine Test Facility

Construction to Begin on Archimedes Test Complex in Mississippi in a Major Fast-Tracking of the Neutron Launch Vehicle to First Launch Rocket Lab USA, Inc (Nasdaq: RKLB ) (“Rocket Lab”, or “the Company”), a leading launch and space systems company, today revealed it has selected NASA’s historic...
investors.rocketlabusa.com investors.rocketlabusa.com

Rocket Lab Selects NASA Stennis Space Center for Neutron Engine Test Facility
09/21/2022
Construction to Begin on Archimedes Test Complex in Mississippi in a Major Fast-Tracking of the Neutron Launch Vehicle to First Launch

LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rocket Lab USA, Inc (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab”, or “the Company”), a leading launch and space systems company, today revealed it has selected NASA’s historic Stennis Space Center in Mississippi as the location of its engine test facility for its reusable rocket, Neutron.

The Archimedes Test Complex will be located within the larger A Test Complex at Stennis Space Center across a 1 million square foot area for 10 years, with an option to extend the lease for an additional 10 years. The Archimedes Test Complex will include exclusive use and development of existing industrial NASA infrastructure and the Center’s A-3 Test Stand to develop and test Neutron’s Archimedes reusable engines. Rocket Lab has also secured a capital investment incentive from the Mississippi Development Authority to further develop the facilities and infrastructure at Stennis for Neutron. By expanding Stennis Space Center to include the Archimedes Test Complex, Rocket Lab is expected to create dozens of new jobs and make significant capital investments in the state of Mississippi.

Neutron is Rocket Lab’s reusable rocket in development, designed as a cost-effective, reliable, and responsive launch service to help build mega-constellations, deliver large spacecraft to low-Earth orbit, geostationary orbit, and interplanetary destinations, and to support a sustained human presence in space. Neutron will be powered by in-house designed and manufactured Archimedes reusable rocket engines and an advanced upper stage to enable high performance for complex satellite deployments.

Rocket Lab Founder and CEO, Peter Beck, says: “Before rockets flew to the Moon, they first had to go through Mississippi, and as we build a new rocket to reshape space access once again, Stennis is a fitting location for Neutron. Creating a test complex from scratch to the scale and complexity needed to test and develop Archimedes would have had an inconceivably long lead time, so the fact that we’ve secured Stennis and can leverage its existing infrastructure and test stand puts us on the fast-track to Neutron’s first launch. The icing on the cake is having fantastic partners like NASA and the state of Mississippi behind us to bring innovative rocketry, economic development, and new jobs to the Gulf Coast.”

Rocket Lab Vice President – Launch Systems, Shaun D’Mello, says: “The strong support, readiness and flexibility from NASA Stennis and Mississippi to bring engine test operations for Neutron to the state made Stennis the ideal location over other potential sites. Stennis Space Center’s legacy in rocket engine testing, established infrastructure, and skilled workforce will be both a boost to Neutron’s development and help grow Mississippi’s already robust aerospace test capabilities, securing a future for the state in innovative technology development.”

Rocket Lab expects to begin construction on the Archimedes Test Complex at Stennis Space Center quickly. At the same time, construction is continuing at pace on the Neutron Production Complex and launch site at Wallops Island, within the NASA Wallops Flight Facility and Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Combined, the two sites represent over two million square feet of operations for Neutron’s production, testing, and launch facilities. Further Neutron expansion will continue throughout the United States as the program develops toward first launch.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The Governor of Mississippi, Tate Reeves: “When it comes to the aerospace industry, it’s all systems go in Mississippi. That’s because our state offers a prime location for innovative research, well-trained workers, and innovative technology development. Rocket Lab is a wonderful addition to the impressive range of global leaders who call NASA’s Stennis Space Center home and I’m excited to welcome them here.”

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker: “American leadership in outer space runs through Mississippi, and it is great to see more companies partnering with Stennis Space Center as a growing hub of our nation’s aerospace industry. I appreciate that Rocket Lab is using Stennis’s 'A-3' test stand, which Congress saved from demolition in 2010. Rocket Lab will bring quality jobs and technology to Mississippi for years to come.”

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith: “The Stennis Space Center has a special place in American aerospace history, and Mississippi eagerly welcomes Rocket Lab to use this fantastic test facility to add to this legacy. Its work will continue Stennis’ key role in development and testing of the engines that will help usher in a new generation of achievements in aerospace and space exploration. I particularly appreciate that the Rocket Lab agreement involves partnership with NASA, the State of Mississippi, and our wonderful Gulf Coast.”

U.S. Congressman Steven Palazzo: “I applaud Rocket Lab on their decision to utilize the unique facilities at Stennis Space Center to further their space missions,” said Congressman Steven Palazzo. “South Mississippi has long been a staple in the pathway to space for both the public and private sectors. Not only the infrastructure, but the people too, create a receptive environment for business partnerships. I look forward to Rocket Lab’s future at Stennis and in space innovation and exploration.”
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Watched this -- or attempted to-- live streamed. They did not recover with MARS, but they expected to recover the stage from the water.

Official line was that they lost telemetry on reentry, and as a safety precaution cleared the helicopter.
 
https://twitter.com/x/status/1588603927448399875
View: https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1588603927448399875


While we were launching Electron from LC-1, the Neutron team officially kicked off operations at @NASAStennis today in preparation for Archimedes engine testing. Busy day!
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https://twitter.com/x/status/1588602322686717952
View: https://twitter.com/tatereeves/status/1588602322686717952


Mississippi’s economy is cleared for launch!

Today we welcomed @RocketLab to the Stennis Space Center where they’ll build and test their next-generation engines and help to lead our nation’s space exploration efforts.

Another great win for our state!
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https://twitter.com/x/status/1588604841458544641
View: https://twitter.com/peter_j_beck/status/1588604841458544641


Excited to make Mississippi the home of the Archimedes engine. Looking forward to making fire.
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That's why Rocket Lab is next SpaceX, one of Important Aerospace company today !

They not only provide the Launch rocket, but also the spacecraft for customer.
or provide for aerospace industry needed component

Oh by the way
On March 22, they try another Launch with recovery first stage.
This time they do without helicopter and recover the Stage after splash down
Seems that Electron is more robust build as planned.
 
Now RocketLab enter new Business Model
Launching Hypersonic probes with Electron first stage from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
payload around 700 kg up to 3 km/s and hight of 80 km

www.rocketlabusa.com

HASTE | Rocket Lab

www.rocketlabusa.com www.rocketlabusa.com

other news
In the third quarter 2023 RocketLab launch a Electron with reuse engines from a recover Booster
following completed reuse of Electron first stage later
www.rocketlabusa.com

Rocket Lab to Take Next Major Step Toward Electron Reusability by Launching Pre-Flown Engine | Rocket Lab

*Rocket Lab to Take Next Major Step Toward Electron Reusability by Launching Pre-Flown Engine *
www.rocketlabusa.com www.rocketlabusa.com
 
Rocket Lab just buy parts of Virgin Orbit for $16 Million

Like it Virgin Orbit headquarters and manufacturing complex in Long Beach, California.
and assets like 3D-printers and a specialty tank welding machine.

Since Rocket Lab HQ is already in the neighbourhood of Virgin Orbit HQ
the company gain around 140,000 square feet more space.

Source:
www.cnbc.com

Virgin Orbit shuts down after bankruptcy sales

Bankrupt rocket company Virgin Orbit sold its assets and equipment to a trio of aerospace companies in an auction.
www.cnbc.com www.cnbc.com
 
The Rocket Lab connection with Amazon Kuiper system

Seem RL build 3000 Reaction Wheels/Year for Mega-Constellation company, Peter Beck label as "Amaz...Ahhh" in interview.
This bring up to $500 Million/year profit for Rocket Lab.

But there is more
Amazon Kuiper must launch over 1500 satellites until July 2026 and entire system until July 20, 2029
According the FCC !
means they need launcher from ULA (138), ArianeSpace(18), Blue Origin(12) and Others, EXCEPT SpaceX
And what say Peter Beck about Neutron 2.0 ? "its build to Launch Mega-Constellation" !

Source:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLhfjmqqwPE
 
Were ASTRA failed, Rocket Lab succeed !
Solidify Rocket Lab reputation as reliable launch provider.

i would be not surprised under current situation, That ASTRA goes Bankrupt
 

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