Rocket Lab Secures NASA Contract for Climate and Solar Research

NASA has tapped Rocket Lab to deploy three research satellites via its Electron rocket, tasking the aerospace firm with monitoring high-altitude ice clouds and solar irradiance. The missions, scheduled for launch between early 2027 and mid-2027, mark a continued partnership between the space agency and the California-based launch provider.

Today, 01:13· Money Talk· 2,322 reads

Rocket Lab Secures NASA Contract for Climate and Solar Research

The upcoming manifest includes two satellites for the Polarized Submillimeter Ice-cloud Radiometer (PolSIR) mission, designed to map ice clouds in the upper atmosphere, alongside a single craft for the Total and Spectral Solar Irradiance Sensor-2 (TSIS-2) project, which tracks solar intensity from orbit. Rocket Lab plans to execute the TSIS-2 mission early in 2027, with the PolSIR launches slated for after June of that year. These flights join the company’s existing commitment to launch NASA’s upcoming Aspera mission.

Chief Executive Officer Peter Beck noted that the Electron vehicle has established a track record for orbital precision over the past decade of NASA service. Following the announcement, Rocket Lab shares climbed 4.9% to $84.65 in after-hours trading, rebounding from a 5.5% decline during the regular session.

Rocket Lab Secures NASA Contract for Climate and Solar Research

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