- Rocket Lab (RKLB, Financial) to launch first dedicated Electron mission for the European Space Agency (ESA).
- Mission will deploy "Pathfinder A" spacecraft for Europe's future navigation system, LEO-PNT.
- Launch is scheduled for no earlier than December 2025.
Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB), a prominent player in the global launch services and space systems sector, has been selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to undertake a dedicated Electron mission. This mission marks the first time Rocket Lab will launch a mission for the ESA, aiming to deploy the initial pair of satellites for Europe's upcoming navigation constellation, designated as LEO-PNT.
Scheduled for no earlier than December 2025, the mission will see the launch of two "Pathfinder A" spacecraft provided by European satellite prime contractors Thales Alenia Space and GMV. These satellites will be deployed to a 510km low Earth orbit. The mission is set to evaluate a novel approach for delivering location, direction, and timing services from satellites in low orbits, which will work in tandem with higher orbit constellations like Galileo and EGNOS that form Europe's global navigation system.
Rocket Lab's Founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, expressed his enthusiasm: “Launching a European mission on Electron integral to Europe's satellite navigation system is a testament to our leading launch services. We are excited to contribute to securing the future of LEO-PNT with Electron’s precise orbital deployment capabilities.”
This contract bolsters Electron’s global recognition as a leading launch vehicle and highlights Rocket Lab's dedication to meeting the increasing demand for space access by European constellation operators. In recent months, Rocket Lab has successfully completed various missions, including deploying an IoT satellite constellation for French operator Kinéis and executing a wildfire detection mission for OroraTech from Germany.
