Rocket Lab | Electron - satellite launch vehicle

Revolutionary Design

Max. Payload 225 kg

Stages 2

Height 17 m

Nominal Payload 150 kg

Nominal Sun-Sync. Orbit 500 km

Diameter 1.2 m

Plug-In Payload

Electron’s payload fairing is designed to decouple payload integration from the main assembly.

The all–carbon composite payload fairing is designed and manufactured in-house at Rocket Lab.

Learn More

Kick Stage

An optional apogee kick stage that can execute multiple burns to place numerous payloads into different, circularized orbits. It opens up significantly more orbital options, particularly for rideshare customers that have traditionally been limited to the primary payload’s designated orbit. Powered by Rocket Lab's 3D printed liquid propellant Curie engine capable of 120N of thrust and multiple burns.

See second stage
qualification

Second Stage

Electron's second stage is powered by a variant of the Rutherford Engine providing improved performance in vacuum conditions.

Total Thrust 22 kN (5,000 lbf)

ISP 333 sec

Carbon Composite Materials

Electron makes use of advanced carbon composite materials for a strong and lightweight flight structure.

Through an extensive research program, Rocket Lab has developed carbon composite tanks that are compatible with liquid oxygen, providing impressive weight savings.

Custom cryogenic valves and helium pressurization systems were developed by Rocket Lab for ultimate efficiency and reliability.

Avionics

Rocket Lab excels at producing high-performance miniature avionics and flight computer systems. The computing nodes make use of state-of-the-art FPGA architecture, allowing massive customization of function while retaining hardware commonality.

Rutherford

See how it works

A New Propulsion Cycle

Rutherford is an oxygen/kerosene pump fed engine specifically designed in-house for Electron using an entirely new propulsion cycle. Its unique high-performance electric propellant pumps reduce mass and replace hardware with software.

First Stage

Electron’s first stage is powered by nine Rutherford engines.

Lift Off Thrust 162 kN (34,500 lbf)

Peak Thrust 192 kN (41,500 lbf)

ISP 303 sec

3D Printing

Rutherford is the first oxygen/kerosene engine to use 3D printing for all primary components.

Ultimate
Manufacturability

Engine Print Time:
24 Hours