At 0914 GMT on 24 March 2023, Rocket Lab successfully launched their Electron KS rocket (in reusable waterproofed trim to attempt splashdown recovery of first stage) from Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand. Onboard was Blacksky Global 19 and 21, a pair of 55 kg Earth observation microsatellites, part of the Blacksky Constellation. The launch, which had been planned for 22 March, had been delayed by weather. The flght was called “The Beat Goes On”. A ship called the Seaworker will recover the splashed down Electron first stage. Originally Rocket Lab had wanted to use a helicopter recovery technique which it tried, unsuccessfully, on two flights.
Corporate logo of BlackSky. Courtesy of BlackSky
