Rocket Lab Successfully Completed the U.S. Space Force Mission

Rocket Lab Completes Major Mission for U.S. Space Force

Rocket Lab has taken a significant step in national security with its "Don’t Be Such A Square" STP-S30 mission conducted for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command. This mission highlights the company’s capability to perform low-cost and highly responsive launches.

Strategic Support for National Defense

The mission is recorded as Rocket Lab’s fourth LC-2 launch in the past three months, supporting the Defense Department’s objectives in space and defense technologies. By conducting this launch approximately five months ahead of the planned date, the company has contributed to maintaining the U.S.’s leadership in space and accelerating the development of critical technologies.

Launch Details and Payload Deployment

On December 18, at 00:03 EST (UTC 05:03), the Electron rocket launched from Rocket Lab’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at Wallops Island, Virginia, placing four DiskSat satellites into low Earth orbit at an altitude of 550 kilometers for the Defense Department's Space Test Program. The DiskSats are designed by Aerospace Corporation and operated by the System Delta 89 unit of the Space Systems Command, led by Colonel Cesar Rodriguez.

2025 Launch Milestones

The "Don’t Be Such A Square" mission marks the 20th launch of the Electron rocket in 2025 and the 78th mission overall, setting a new peak for Rocket Lab’s annual launch record. Sir Peter Beck, the company’s founder and CEO, stated, "We are consistently meeting the U.S. Space Force’s demands for access to space. This launch is a testament to Rocket Lab’s achievements in national security and commercial space."

In addition, Colonel Brian Shimek, the Director of the Defense Department's Space Test Program, commented, "Our collaboration with Rocket Lab and the success achieved in this launch is a critical step for the future integration of operational Space Force systems."