
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
Rocket Lab launched a satellite for a mystery customer on Thursday morning (Nov. 20).
The liftoff, which occurred at 7:43 a.m. EST (1243 GMT) from Rocket Lab's New Zealand site, came as something of a surprise. The company formally announced the impending launch of its workhorse Electron rocket less than five hours ahead of time.
The mission, called "Follow My Speed" was a complete success, Rocket Lab announced via X on Thursday morning.
"Today's 'Follow My Speed' mission marks 18 launches with 100% mission success for 2025 — more than any other year in Electron's history — making our rocket the most frequently flown orbital small launch vehicle in the world," the company said in another Thursday X post.
Fifteen of those 18 launches have been orbital missions. The other three were suborbital flights involving HASTE, a modified version of the 59-foot-tall (18-meter-tall) Electron that allows customers to test hypersonic technologies in the space environment.
We don't know much about "Follow My Speed."
Rocket Lab described the mission in vague terms only, saying that its goal was "to deploy a single satellite for a confidential commercial customer."
Keeping things so close to the vest isn't exactly odd for launch companies, who regularly loft national-security payloads or commercial satellites with sensitive, proprietary tech. Rocket Lab, for example, launched five satellites for a confidential customer just three months ago.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Mom warns of Christmas gift hazard as daughter recovers in hospital - 2
Figure out How to Remain Informed about the Most recent Open Record Extra Offers - 3
Visiting This Japanese City Just Got A Little More Expensive (Here's What Travelers Should Know) - 4
ISS astronaut snaps stunning nighttime photo of Florida and Cuba | Space photo of the day for Dec. 29, 2025 - 5
Israel approves death penalty law for Palestinians convicted of attacks
Black Friday streaming deals 2025: Grab the Disney+ Hulu bundle for only $5 and save over 60%
Vote In favor of Your Favored Menial helper Administration
Shas threatens to oppose 2026 state budget over haredi food-voucher exclusion
Australia PM tries to reassure public as panic buying sees fuel demand surge 400% in some regions
Extravagance SUVs for Seniors: Solace, Innovation, and Security
All the eclipses, supermoons, meteor showers and planets to spot in 2026
IDF finds weapon of slain hostage Capt. Daniel Perez in booby-trapped Gaza compound
Merz: 80% of Syrians in Germany should return in three years
Artemis 2 moon rocket gets 'America 250' paint job | Space photo of the day for Dec. 23, 2025













