Spaceflight buys Rocket Lab Electron launch for a small satellite sampler

Seattle-based Spaceflight says it’s struck a deal to buy the full capacity of a single Electron rocket launch from L.A.-based Rocket Lab, so it can send other ventures’ small satellites into orbit at cut-rate prices. The dedicated-rideshare mission follows the model that Spaceflight set with SpaceX for a Falcon 9 launch, now expected to go up next year. Rocket Lab has been developing its carbon-composite Electron rocket for months, with an eye toward offering orbital launches for $5 million. The Electron’s first test launch is scheduled next week in New Zealand. Spaceflight and Rocket Lab haven’t yet set a date for the rideshare launch, but it’s likely to be sometime next year. Got a satellite you want to put in a sun-synchronous orbit? Check out Spaceflight’s price list.

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