Rocket Lab Plans To Launch Mix Of NASA And Commercial Satellites

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. RKLB is preparing to launch a mix of satellites for NASA and commercial satellite constellation operators in a mission called "Baby Come Back."

The mission is scheduled for lift-off between 11:30–13:30 NZST on July 18. Baby Come Back will be Rocket Lab's seventh Electron launch of 2023, the 39th Electron launch overall, and the company's second recovery mission this year. 

The mission will launch seven satellites to a sun-synchronous orbit for three customers: NASA, Space Flight Laboratory, and Spire Global.

The satellites will be launched from Pad B at Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula. 

After launch, Electron's first stage will return to Earth under a parachute and complete a soft splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. 

Rocket Lab will attempt to recover Electron's first stage from the ocean following the launch in the next major step in the company's program to make Electron a reusable rocket.

The company will release its second quarter financial results after the close of markets on August 8 and host a conference call to discuss the results at 4:30 p.m. ET the same day.

Price Action: RKLB shares are trading higher by 1.90% to $6.44 in the premarket session on the last check Monday.