Return to Sender

Return to Sender
Mission Name
Return to Sender
Rocket
Electron
Electron Name
Return to Sender
Launch Date
20 November 2020
Launch Time
02:20 UTC
Launch Site
Launch Complex 1

Mission Overview

Rocket Lab’s 16th Electron launch 'Return to Sender' successfully launched November 20, 02:20 UTC from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand.

The Electron launch vehicle lofted 30 satellites to a sun-synchronous orbit at 500 km altitude for a range of customers, including TriSept, Unseenlabs, Swarm, Auckland Programme for Space Systems, and global gaming software company Valve. 

This mission also included Rocket Lab's first attempt to bring Electron’s first stage back to Earth under a parachute system for a controlled water landing before collection by a recovery vessel - a major milestone in Rocket Lab’s pursuit to make Electron a reusable rocket to support an increased launch cadence for small satellites.

Press Kit

Launch Updates

For real time launch updates, follow Rocket Lab on Twitter and Facebook.

Mission Gallery

Return to Sender Encapsulation Return to Sender Encapsulation
Gnome Chompski inside Electron's Fairing Gnome Chompski inside Electron's Fairing
Return to Sender Wet Dress Rehearsal Return to Sender Wet Dress Rehearsal
Return to Sender Fairing Return to Sender Fairing