25 May 2024 | Erin Hokanson Wagner Rocket Lab successfully launched the first of two PREFIRE satellites from Mahia, New Zealand at 7:41 PM NZST (7:41 AM UTC). Blue Canyon Technologies, the company that built the 6U CubeSat and integrated the Jet Propulsion Lab’s Thermal Infrared Spectrometer, has nearly finished the satellite In-Orbit Checkout (IOC). …
22 May 2024 | Tim Michaels A highlight for today is Radio New Zealand’s short interview with Tristan L’Ecuyer, the PREFIRE Principal Investigator (PI). Courtesy of Rocket Lab, we have some photos to share of the PREFIRE CubeSats being carefully attached to their Electron rockets (about 1 week ago): Link: Rocket Lab’s PREFIRE Flickr album. …
21 May 2024 | Tim Michaels It is late autumn at the Rocket Lab launch complex in New Zealand, since it is in the southern hemisphere. Forecasts of unsuitable weather have delayed the first PREFIRE CubeSat launch until May 25, 2024 at 7:28 am UTC. While you are waiting, enjoy a new mission overview video! …
15 May 2024 | Tim Michaels After a long-distance voyage to the Rocket Lab launch complex in New Zealand, the tiny twin PREFIRE CubeSats are being prepped for launch aboard two separate Electron rockets. The first PREFIRE CubeSat launch (referred to as Ready, Aim, PREFIRE by Rocket Lab) may occur as soon as May 22, …