Rocket Lab to launch an Electron with 5 payloads including Irvine CubeSat built by high schoolers

This evening US time and Saturday afternoon New Zealand time, Rocket Lab will attempt to launch the third Electron rocket into orbit.

The Electron on the pad at Mahia. (Photo credits Kieran_Fanning)

The rocket is to lift off from the Mahia Peninsula on the east coast of New Zealand‘s North Island. You can watch the launch via the rocketlabusa.com/live-stream webcast.

The vehicle is carrying four payloads for commercial companies plus the Irvine CubeSat built by high school students in Irvine, California.

The Irvine CubeSat Program is a revolutionary STEM initiative based in Irvine, California. With over 100 members from six public high schools, the program collectively strives to assemble, test, and launch a solar powered CubeSat. It aims to inspire the next generation of innovative thinkers, creators, programmers, and explorers.

Here is a video about the program:

The company’s press kit (pdf) has lots of information about the mission. See also Rocket Lab set for first operational Electron launch with five payload elements – NASASpaceFlight.com.

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