On 28 February 2023, American companies Rocket Lab and Capella Space announced a new multi-launch contract covering four missions. Capella has contracted Rocket Lab to launch four of its improved commercial SAR satellites – known as “Acadia” – individually on each of the missions, with the first planned to take place in H2 2023.
According to the press release once begun the four launches are scheduled to “launch in quick succession”. The launches are baselined to take place from Rocket Lab’s primary New Zealand launch site however, it is stated that there is flexibility in moving any of the missions to its new launch pad located in Virginia, USA.
Before these missions take place though, Rocket Lab is preparing for two launches in March 2023. These will utilise both of its New Zealand and USA launch sites: the first is in fact for Capella and will carry two of its SAR satellites to orbit from Virginia; the second is for another longstanding customer BlackSky Global (through launch arranger Spaceflight Inc) consisting of two EO sats for them and will launch from New Zealand.
