Rocket Lab, a launch services company based in New Zealand, has successfully deployed its 15th commercial payload into orbit, successfully placing ten Earth observation satellites into their designated orbits. This mission signifies a return to normal operations for the company following a disruption in July that impacted their goal of achieving a record-fast launch turnaround.

The recent Electron launch carried nine of Planet’s “SuperDove” satellites, representing the latest generation of the company’s observation technology. These advanced satellites enable Planet to deliver frequently refreshed imagery covering an expanding area of the Earth’s surface.

Also on board was Canon’s CE-SAT-IIB, a demonstration satellite designed to showcase “a mid-sized telescope fitted with a highly sensitive camera for capturing nighttime images of Earth,” alongside additional, more conventional observation satellites. Spaceflight, a specialist in launch rideshare arrangements, facilitated the integration of Planet’s and Canon’s payloads.

The launch had initially been planned for the previous week but was postponed due to “data received from certain sensors that required further analysis.” However, the availability of alternative launch dates allowed for a swift rescheduling, and today’s attempt proved successful.

The launch proceeded without issue, and communication with the satellites was established approximately one hour after liftoff.

This mission marks the second launch since Rocket Lab temporarily suspended operations following a payload loss in July – an event that did not involve an explosive failure, but rather a controlled shutdown due to an electrical issue before reaching the intended orbit.

The company’s rapid investigation and corrective actions allowed them to resume launches in under a month.

Further details regarding these developments and more will be discussed at TC Sessions: Space 2020 in December, featuring Rocket Lab’s founder and CEO, Peter Beck, as a participant.