Rocket Lab Sets Payload Sights on the Moon

Rocket Lab will support deeper-space exploration and the return of human presence on the Moon

Spaceflight startup Rocket Lab today announced plans to deliver payloads to the Moon “and beyond” with its Photon satellite platform.

The new service, launching on an Electron rocket, will be capable of sending up to 30kg into lunar orbit as soon as the fourth quarter of 2020.

“Small satellites will play a crucial role in science and exploration, as well as providing communications and navigation infrastructure to support returning humans to the Moon,” company CEO Peter Beck said in a statement. “They play a vital role as pathfinders to retire risk and lay down infrastructure for future missions.”

The Photon spacecraft—an advanced evolution of the Electron rocket—combines propulsion, power, attitude determination and control, and radiation-tolerant avionics to deliver small spacecraft to the cosmos.

There is no word on total costs.

“Pricing is tailored to mission requirements, but we’ll be bringing previously impossible missions within reach at attainable prices,” a company spokesperson told Ars Technica.

Rocket Lab’s announcement comes as NASA and international partners are looking to increase activity in orbit around the Moon, as well as on its surface.

“Many potential exploration instruments and full satellites are on shelves waiting for launch to deeper space,” Beck said. “In the same way we opened access to [low-Earth orbit] for smallsats, Rocket Lab is poised to become the dedicated ride to the Moon and beyond for small satellites.”

After months of delays, firm in November launched seven payloads into orbit—its second successful dispatch and first commercial mission.

The two-stage Electron vehicle lifted off from New Zealand’s Māhia Peninsula nearly a year ago. After reaching orbit, the Curie kick stage deployed six satellites and a drag sail technology demonstrator to capture space junk.

More on Geek.com:

• Rocket Lab Launches DARPA’s R3D2 Experimental Satellite
• Humanity Had a New Star Courtesy of Space Startup Rocket Lab
• China’s Chang’e 4 Mission Wraps Up 10 Lunar Days on Far Side of Moon

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