Rocket Lab Sends First Open Cosmos Satellites Into Polar Orbit Written 23 January 2026
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RocketLab launches the 80th Electron rocket carrying the Open Cosmos Constellation satellites to Polar Orbit from New Zealand. | Credit: The Launch Pad; YouTube; Framegrab
Space News reports, “A Rocket Lab Electron launched the first satellites for a new constellation being developed by Open Cosmos that will use spectrum previously assigned to Rivada Space Networks. The Electron lifted off from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 5:52 a.m. Eastern Jan. 22. It deployed two satellites into a circular polar orbit at an altitude of about 1,050 kilometers one hour and nine minutes after liftoff.”
Full Story (Space News)
Video
RocketLab Electron Launch from New Zealand (Launch takes place at the 23:07 mark)
The Launch Pad | YouTube