Electron | Aspera
Aspera houses an ultraviolet telescope and will examine hot gas in the intergalactic medium, thought to be contributing to the birth of stars and planets. Aspera will be the first NASA astrophysics mission to gather and map these ultraviolet light signatures, potentially unlocking a deeper understanding of the origins of stars, planets, and life in the universe.
Electron is a two-stage orbital expendable launch vehicle (with an optional third stage) developed by the American aerospace company Rocket Lab. Electron is a small-lift launch vehicle designed to launch small satellites and cubesats to sun-synchronous orbit and low earth orbit. The Electron is the first orbital class rocket to use electric-pump-fed engines, powered by the 9 Rutherford engines on the first stage. It is also used as a suborbital testbed (called HASTE) for hypersonics research.
When is the Electron | Aspera launch?
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Mission Profile
Aspera is a Electron mission operated by Rocket Lab set to lift off from Unknown Pad, Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand on December 31, 2026. The flight is tasked with delivering its payload on a astrophysics mission to Low Earth Orbit.