BlackSky Statement on Rocket Lab Electron Launch Failure
SEATTLE (BlackSky PR) — On Saturday, May 15, 2021, a Rocket Lab Electron rocket carrying two BlackSky satellites suffered a failure during flight, preventing the successful deployment of our satellites. Rocket Lab is actively investigating the cause of the failure.
“We have developed a resilient and responsive strategy for our constellation,” Brian E. O’Toole, CEO of BlackSky. “BlackSky has additional satellites ready to deploy, as well as an active production line with more satellites on track to be delivered over the course of this year. We will continue to execute on the expansion of our constellation and expect to remain on track to meet our business objectives.”
6 responses to “BlackSky Statement on Rocket Lab Electron Launch Failure”
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I suspect the fix is an easy one 🙂
No mention of Rocket Lab within their statement, telling or not?
I was wondering this as well. Since they have more launches on contract with RL, you’d think they’d mention something about having confidence in them, they look to their next Electron launch once it is flying again, etc
This was a Sgt. Joe Friday-style press release – “Just the facts, Ma’am.” To the extent there was any reassurance subtext it was directed at their own customers.
BlackSky has allowed for possible launch failures in its production and deployment strategy. The latter is rideshare-based and limits loss by not launching more than a pair of sats on any single vehicle.
In addition to Electron, BlackSky has also launched on Falcon 9 and the Indian PSLV.
Exactly my thoughts, Spaceman. Stay safe, Paul.
Rocket Lab was mentioned twice.