California-based end-to-end space services company Rocket Lab, successfully launched its Electron rocket from launch complex 2 in Wallops Island, Virginia, marking its first-ever launch from US soil. The company’s previous missions and tests were conducted at the company’s launch facility in Mahai Peninsula in New Zealand.

Named “Virginia for launch lovers,” this mission was initially planned for December 2022 but faced several delays due to bad weather conditions and launch license issues.

During this launch, the Electron rocket carried 3 satellite payloads for RF analytics company Hawkeye 360, which were successfully deployed in orbit.

Analyst QuickTake: This year had not been favorable for maiden launches, with Virgin Orbit’s Launcher One and ABL Space Systems’ RS 1 rockets suffering anomalies leading to failed launches. Hence, the successful launch of Electron bodes well for Rocket Lab which are expecting an increase in demand for 2023 with the Wallops Island launch facility providing more than 130 launch opportunities each year.