Oleblue
3 días hace
Rocket Lab launching 5 'Internet of Things' satellites tonight: Watch it live
By Mike Wall published 7 hours ago
"High Five" mission is scheduled to lift off tonight (March 17) at 9:31 p.m. ET.
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a white and black rocket climbs into a blue sky
A Rocket Lab Electron vehicle launches the "IOT 4 You and Me" mission on Feb. 9, 2025, carrying five satellites for the French company Kinéis. (Image credit: Rocket Lab)
Rocket Lab plans to launch five satellites for the French technology company Kinéis tonight (March 17), and you can watch the action live.
An Electron vehicle carrying five of Kinéis' "Internet of Things" spacecraft is scheduled to lift off from Rocket Lab's New Zealand site today at 9:31 p.m. EDT (0131 GMT and 2:31 p.m. local New Zealand time on March 18).
Rocket Lab will stream the mission live, starting 30 minutes before launch. Space.com will carry the feed as well, if Rocket Lab makes it available.
If all goes according to plan tonight, the Electron will deploy the five satellites into a circular orbit 404 miles (650 kilometers) above Earth about 66.5 minutes after liftoff.
"High Five" will finish the assembly of Kinéis' 25-nanosatellite constellation. The other 20 spacecraft went up on four Electron launches, in June, September and November of 2024 and February of this year.
Thanks to this constellation, "Kinéis can connect any object from anywhere in the world and transmit useful data from these objects to users in near real time," Rocket Lab wrote in the "High Five" press kit, which you can find here.
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"This data is a decision-making tool that can be used to optimize activities while reducing risks, thanks to three essential functions: tracking, monitoring and alerting," the company added.
"High Five" will be the fourth mission of 2025 for the 59-foot-tall (18-meter) Electron. The rocket's third launch of the year occurred just last Friday (March 14), when it sent a radar satellite for the Japan-based Earth-imaging company iQPS to orbit.
Electron flew 14 times in 2024, which was a new high for the vehicle. Rocket Lab also conducted two launches last year with HASTE, a modified suborbital version of Electron that serves as a testbed for hypersonic technology.
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Mike Wall
Senior Space Writer
Michael Wall is a Senior Space Writer with Space.com and joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers exoplanets, spaceflight and military space, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. His book about the search for alien life, "Out There," was published on Nov. 13, 2018. Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. He has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. To find out what his latest project is, you can follow Michael on Twitter.
https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/rocket-lab-kineis-internet-of-things-high-five-launch?lrh=8dbc82ba6c34c4ffbc457fa4d06914b311786897f8ef33bb435d5fddfc5540d8
anesthesia doc
3 semanas hace
Rocket Lab Debuts Satellite Model That Could Compete With Starlink
https://www.pcmag.com/news/rocket-lab-debuts-satellite-model-that-could-compete-with-starlink
The 'Flatellite' model is designed to help companies and government agencies launch and operate large satellite constellations, which could be used for internet connectivity.
By Michael Kan
February 28, 2025
Launch provider Rocket Lab is introducing a new satellite model that could help it and other companies operate space-based internet systems to rival Starlink.
Rocket Lab's Flatellite satellite is designed to be mass-produced for large constellations. The company aims to launch the satellites through its upcoming Neutron reusable rocket, a competitor to SpaceX's Falcon 9 vehicle.
Like Starlink satellites, Flatellites can be packed on top of each other, enabling a single rocket to carry a whole batch into Earth's orbit. "Flatellite enables secure, low-latency, high-speed connectivity, and remote sensing capability," Rocket Lab says.
"The industry is hungry for versatile satellites that are affordable and built fast in high volumes. This is why we created Flatellite,” CEO Peter Beck said in the announcement.
Interestingly, Rocket Lab describes the satellite as a “bold, strategic move” toward the company one day operating “its own constellation and delivering services from space,” similar to SpaceX and Starlink.
The Long Beach-based company remains mum on the full details of its satellite ambitions. But in an earnings call, Beck added: “We’ve developed Flatilite after many years of working closely with constellation operators and getting to deeply understand their needs of today and, of course, into the future.”
A key question is if Rocket Lab has already secured customer orders for Flatellite, but the company notes the satellite was designed for “national security, defense, and commercial markets.”
In the meantime, Rocket Lab previously received a subcontract to help Canada’s MDA design and manufacture 17 satellites to refresh the constellation for Globalstar, which has been powering satellite iPhone features for Apple.
anesthesia doc
3 semanas hace
Citi trims Rocket Lab target, sees ‘enhanced buying opportunity’
https://www.tipranks.com/news/the-fly/citi-trims-rocket-lab-target-sees-enhanced-buying-opportunity
Citi analyst Jason Gursky lowered the firm’s on Rocket Lab () to $33 from $35 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. The firm says it hasn’t come across a space program that hasn’t been delayed, and Rocket Lab’s Neutron is no different, with first launch now slated for the second half of 2025. This represents a roughly 12-month push from original target, and it would not be a surprise us to see further delays as more testing is done, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Citi says the shares are likely to selloff following the news. It would use any weakness as an “enhanced buying opportunity” since it expects Neutron to eventually make it to market and “garner its fair share.”
anesthesia doc
3 semanas hace
Rocket Lab USA Inc (RKLB) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Record Revenue Growth and Strategic ...
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rocket-lab-usa-inc-rklb-074350897.html
Annual Revenue: $436 million, a 78% increase year-on-year.
Q4 2024 Revenue: $132 million, a 121% increase year-on-year.
Launch Services Revenue: $42.4 million for Q4; $125.4 million for the full year, a 74% increase year-on-year.
Space Systems Revenue: $90 million for Q4; $310.8 million for the full year, an 80% increase year-on-year.
GAAP Gross Margin: 27.8% for Q4; 26.6% for the full year.
Non-GAAP Gross Margin: 34% for Q4; 32% for the full year.
Total Backlog: $1.07 billion, with $386 million in launch backlog and $681 million in Space Systems backlog.
Q4 Operating Expenses: $88.4 million GAAP; $74.5 million non-GAAP.
Cash and Equivalents: $484 million at the end of Q4 2024.
Adjusted Loss: $23.2 million for Q4 2024.
Q1 2025 Revenue Guidance: $117 to $123 million.
Q1 2025 GAAP Gross Margin Guidance: 25% to 27%.
Q1 2025 Non-GAAP Gross Margin Guidance: 30% to 32%.
Q1 2025 Adjusted EBITDA Loss Guidance: $33 million to $35 million.
Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Signs with OPEN.
Release Date: February 27, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
Rocket Lab USA Inc (NASDAQ:RKLB) achieved its highest annual revenue to date of $436 million in 2024, marking a 78% increase from the previous year.
The company successfully executed a record number of 16 launches in 2024, maintaining a 100% mission success rate.
Rocket Lab USA Inc (NASDAQ:RKLB) signed over $450 million in new contracts in 2024, strengthening its backlog to over a billion dollars.
The company made significant progress in its Space Systems segment, including the completion of twin spacecraft for NASA's escapade mission to Mars.
Rocket Lab USA Inc (NASDAQ:RKLB) is advancing its Neutron rocket program, with plans to address the medium launch market and support the deployment of an estimated 10,000 constellation spacecraft over the next decade.
Negative Points
The timeline for the Neutron rocket's first launch has been pushed to the second half of 2025, indicating potential delays.
Rocket Lab USA Inc (NASDAQ:RKLB) faces challenges with supplier dependencies, which have caused some delays in the Neutron program.
The company anticipates increased cash consumption in Q1 2025 due to Neutron-related investments and lower milestone payments.
There is some uncertainty in the industry regarding defense programs under the new administration, which could impact future contracts.
Gross margins in the launch business can be volatile quarter to quarter, influenced by customer mix and mission type.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you clarify the timing for the Neutron launch, as it seems to have shifted from mid-2025 to the second half of 2025? A: Peter Beck, CEO: We've adjusted the timeline slightly to allow more time for preparation, but we're only talking about a few months' difference. It's not a significant delay.
Q: What would you define as a successful launch for Neutron? A: Peter Beck, CEO: Our goal is to achieve orbit on the first flight. Anything less would not meet our expectations. Achieving orbit on the first attempt is challenging, but it's our target.
Q: How confident are you in launching Neutron this year, and how will the revenue mix shift between Space Systems and launch systems in 2026? A: Peter Beck, CEO: We're confident in launching this year, barring any major unforeseen events. Adam Spice, CFO: We expect the revenue mix to shift as Neutron launches begin. Initially, launch revenue will increase, but we aim for a long-term balance of 2/3 Space Systems and 1/3 launch.
Q: Can you discuss the cost advantages of your new satellite product, Flatite, compared to competitors? A: Peter Beck, CEO: Our vertical integration allows us to produce satellites quickly and cost-effectively. We have significant in-house capabilities, which gives us an edge in both speed and cost.
Q: What are the expectations for Electron's launch capacity in the coming years? A: Peter Beck, CEO: We aim to maximize launch capacity, with LC1 capable of 120 launches annually and LC2 at 12. The market demand will dictate the actual number of launches, but we continue to see growth in Electron sales year on year.
WebSlinger
3 semanas hace
<< RKLB doesn’t have to deal with the FAA or lots of air traffic like SpaceX does. >>
While RKLB doesn’t have to deal with the FAA, it does have to deal with the New Zealand Space Agency (NZSA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA)(the equivalent of the FAA). RKLB submits detailed launch plans to the NZSA, which then coordinates with agencies like the CAA and Airways to ensure compliance with safety, security, and international obligations (e.g., ICAO standards).
The main issue with the FAA was that the Biden administration was using them to place unnecessary obstacles in front of SpaceX (FAA launch delays and environmental reviews) as part of a larger operation to snub Musk (FCC grant revocation for Starlink, DOJ lawsuit over hiring practices, refusal to allow the rescue of the Boeing Starliner crew, proposed taxation on Space launches), but now that Trump is in charge, hopefully it will be much easier and smoother for SpaceX.
WebSlinger
2 meses hace
Rocket Lab to Launch Global Wildfire Detection and Monitoring Mission for OroraTech
Rocket Lab will launch a dedicated Electron mission for first time customer OroraTech, helping to play a crucial role in protecting against wildfires globally
Long Beach, California. 22 January, 2025. – Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has signed a contract for a responsive launch on Electron with Orora Technologies (OroraTech), a German company developing a satellite constellation to monitor wildfires and alert first responders to danger.
Launching from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, the dedicated mission on Electron will deploy eight satellites to a 550km orbit within just four months from launch contract signing, enabling OroraTech to meet the season-sensitive requirements of its wildfire detection mission. The rapid turnaround is just the latest demonstration of Rocket Lab’s responsive launch capabilities for satellite operators needing urgent access to space.
OroraTech is developing a constellation of satellites with thermal infrared cameras that can provide 24/7 monitoring of wildfires globally, supporting better and faster wildfire response to protect forests, people, and infrastructure worldwide. The mission will deploy its latest plane of satellites called OTC-P1 to their current constellation, further expanding OroraTech’s capabilities to first responders, governments, and industry partners. The company will expand their constellation with up to 100 satellites in total by 2028.
Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, said: “This launch is a showcase of all the benefits of flying dedicated on Electron: control over schedule, agility and ability to meet tight deadlines and mission requirements, and the reliability of launching on the world’s most frequently launched small orbital rocket. Knowing that time is of the essence to get these satellites in space, we’re proud to be rising to the challenge and supporting the OroraTech mission to better monitor for and protect against these devastating natural disasters globally.”
The mission is the latest launch to be announced in a packed 2025 launch manifest for Rocket Lab that includes the continuation of multi-launch contracts with constellation operators Synspective, Kineis, and BlackSky;; a responsive space mission for the U.S. Space Force that will see Rocket Lab build a spacecraft, then launch it on Electron with 24-hours’ notice; and the debut launch of Rocket Lab’s new medium-lift reusable rocket, Neutron.