Dramatic Rocket Lab Launch Abort – Cancelled at the Last Second

Rocket Lab this week aborted a launch originally slated for 18th September. The dramatic mission was aborted at the last second.

Rocket Lab aborts latest launch due to ground support equipment issue

The company had planned to launch at 2300 GMT from New Zealand, sending five Internet of Things satellites into orbit for French company Kinéis. The clock had completed its full countdown and first-stage engines appeared to fire up. They then shut down in a case of seconds and resulted in an abort.

“Since today’s mission required an instantaneous launch, we’ll be standing down from further launch attempts today. The team is assessing opportunities for the next launch attempt and we’ll share more information here shortly,” Rocket Lab’s X account stated. They had already explained that the mission has a 14 day window, and will now look to take off on Saturday, September 21st.

Rocket Lab has nicknamed this mission “Kinéis Killed the RadIOT Star.” They completed a similar liftoff in June when they sent five other satellites into orbit for the same company. The plan is for them to carry 25 of the company’s satellites into orbit using Electron, a small launcher that is 59 feet in height. Rocket Lab has a strong track record with 52 orbital missions that have been successful, 10 of these taking place this year.