Electron | Full Stream Ahead (BlackSky Gen-3 2)
Electron •
📝 Mission Description
Rocket Lab's Electron Launch: Deploying BlackSky's Gen-3 Satellite
On June 2, 2025, Rocket Lab is set to launch its Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, carrying the second satellite in BlackSky's Gen-3 series. Dubbed "Full Stream Ahead," this mission underscores the growing demand for agile, high-resolution Earth-imaging capabilities in the commercial space sector. As space-based observation becomes integral to industries like agriculture, disaster response, and national security, this deployment highlights how small satellite constellations are reshaping global data collection.
The primary objective of the mission is to expand BlackSky's constellation of Earth-observation satellites, enhancing real-time imaging and analytics. The Gen-3 satellites represent a significant upgrade over previous generations, boasting sub-meter resolution imagery that can capture details as fine as 50 centimeters per pixel. This allows for precise monitoring of urban development, environmental changes, and even military movements. Each satellite weighs approximately 55 kilograms and is equipped with advanced optical sensors capable of revisiting the same location multiple times per day, thanks to their low-Earth orbit at around 450 kilometers altitude. BlackSky's platform integrates this data with AI-driven analytics, providing customers—ranging from governments to private firms—with actionable insights. For instance, during natural disasters, these satellites can deliver rapid updates on affected areas, aiding in efficient resource allocation. The Gen-3 series also features improved propulsion systems for better orbital maneuvering, extending mission lifespans to five years or more, and enhanced data downlink speeds for near-real-time transmission.
At the heart of the launch is Rocket Lab's Electron rocket, a lightweight, two-stage vehicle designed specifically for small satellite deployments. Standing 18 meters tall with a diameter of 1.2 meters, Electron is constructed primarily from carbon composite materials, which reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity. Its first stage is powered by nine Rutherford engines, each producing 25 kilonewtons of thrust using liquid oxygen and kerosene propellants. These engines are notable for their electric pump-fed design, a innovation that simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs. The second stage employs a single Rutherford engine optimized for vacuum conditions, enabling the rocket to deliver up to 300 kilograms to low-Earth orbit. Electron's kick stage, an optional third component, provides precise orbital insertion, making it ideal for constellation-building missions like BlackSky's. With a launch cost around $7.5 million per flight, Electron offers an economical alternative to larger rockets,
ℹ️ Official Details
2nd of the BlackSky Gen-3 high resolution Earth-imaging satellites.
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
The Electron | Full Stream Ahead mission, launched on June 02, 2025, achieved a successful orbital insertion and payload deployment, marking another milestone for the Electron rocket. The mission flawlessly executed the delivery of the second BlackSky Gen-3 high-resolution Earth-imaging satellite into its intended orbit, demonstrating precise technical performance and reliability of the launch vehicle. Payload separation occurred as planned, with the satellite confirmed to be operational post-deployment. Key engineering outcomes include validation of the Electron’s consistent performance under operational conditions and the robustness of its payload integration systems. This success reinforces confidence in the rocket’s design for small satellite launches and strengthens the partnership with BlackSky for future Earth observation missions. The mission’s smooth execution also paves the way for upcoming launches, highlighting Electron’s role as a dependable option in the growing smallsat market.