Rocket Lab launched its second Electron rocket from Virginia on March 16, sending two Capella Space radar imaging satellites into orbit. Electron took off at 6:38 p.m. from Launch Complex 2 at the company’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Space Base on Wallops Island, Virginia. Bad weather delayed the launch from its original date of March 11th.

Electron carried two Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging satellites built and operated by Capella Space as part of Rocket Lab’s Stronger Together mission. The impact phase sent the 100-kilogram satellites into a 600-kilometer circular orbit with an inclination angle of 44 degrees and deployed them approximately 58 minutes after launch.

The launch was Rocket Lab’s second launch this year, following its January 24 launch with three HawkEye 360 ​​satellites providing radio frequency monitoring services. The launch was also the company’s first from the Virginia launch pad.

Rocket Lab plans to launch up to 15 Electron launches this year, nine from both Virginia and the original launch pad in New Zealand, with nine in 2022. “We’re really working with Electron to grow the business,” Richard French, director of business development and strategy for Rocket Lab’s space systems division, told a panel at the Satellite 2023 conference on March 15.

Citing as an example a new multiple launch contract signed on February 28 with Capella Space, he said the company has a strong manifesto for Electron. According to the announcement, Rocket Lab will launch four Electrons, each carrying one, “in quick succession.” satellite of the new Capella Acadia SAR series. The contract, which is separate from the Stronger Together mission contract, envisions launches to begin in the second half of 2023.

While Rocket Lab is working on a larger Neutron rocket, scheduled for launch in 2024, French said there are no plans for Neutron to replace Electron. “The electron isn’t going anywhere,” he said. “We believe Electron is a very important talent. We have a strong manifesto with increasing demand.”

Electron’s next launch is scheduled for late March from New Zealand. Dubbed “The Beat Goes On” by Rocket Lab, the launch will carry two optical imaging satellites for BlackSky under a multiple launch contract through Spaceflight.