On November 23, 2024, Rocket Lab successfully launched its Electron rocket carrying five Internet of Things (IoT) satellites for the French company Kinéis from its New Zealand site. The launch took place at 10:55 p.m. EST (0355 GMT), marking a significant milestone as the 50th mission for Rocket Lab.
The mission, dubbed 'Ice AIS Baby,' is part of Kinéis' initiative to establish a 25-satellite constellation in low Earth orbit aimed at providing precise connectivity and location tracking for objects globally. The deployment of the five nanosatellites is scheduled to occur approximately 66 minutes after liftoff, reaching an orbit of 400 miles (643 kilometers) above Earth.
This launch is the third in a series for Kinéis, following two previous missions in June and September 2024. The company's constellation promises reliable data transmission even in remote or extreme conditions, enhancing global tracking capabilities.
Rocket Lab's Electron rocket, measuring 59 feet (18 meters) tall, continues to be the sole launch vehicle for the company, although plans for a larger, partially reusable rocket named Neutron are underway, with an expected debut in 2025.