WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. (WAVY) – Rocket Lab completed its second launch from NASA Wallops’ Launch Complex 2 Thursday as part of its Stronger Together mission.
Its Electron rocket lifted off from Wallops at 6:39 p.m., carrying two 100-kilogram commercial satellites to low-Earth orbit for Capella Space.
“I’m extremely proud of the NASA team that helped ensure a safe and successful launch operation today,” said David L. Pierce, Wallops Flight Facility director. “Today’s launch builds on decades of work supporting the commercial launch industry, and we’re proud to have Rocket Lab as a mission partner here in the Wallops complex.”
The first Electron launch from Wallops took place in January. The launch Thursday was enabled by NASA’s Autonomous Flight Termination Unit software, which became fully certified March 3.
“The certification of NAFTU is a major milestone for Wallops and our commercial partners,” Pierce said. “NAFTU provides a vital safety capability for launch providers and ensures public safety during operations.”
NAFTU has been described as a revolutionary autonomous flight safety system providing real-time monitoring and control of a launch vehicle’s flight termination system.
Rocket Lab was one of the first applicants for the software, which enabled their launches from Wallops.
Rocket Lab had to delay its launch twice due to weather, but the launch Thursday had 90% favorable conditions for the 6 to 8 p.m. launch window.
The original launch date had been March 11, but that was postponed until Wednesday due to high winds, which was also the reason cited by NASA Wallops for postponing the Wednesday launch until Thursday.
Earlier Wednesday, NASA Wallops’ weather office had reported a 70% to 80% chance of favorable conditions for Rocket Lab’s planned Electron launch attempt, with the main concern cited as strong surface winds.
