Rocket Lab to deploy BlackSky Gen3 satellite on next Electron launch

Rocket Lab USA has announced it will launch the next BlackSky Gen-3 satellite as part of its continued partnership with the real-time space-based intelligence company. The mission, named "Full Stream Ahead," is scheduled to lift off from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand during a window opening May 28, 2025 (UTC).

This upcoming flight marks the second of four planned Electron missions this year dedicated to expanding BlackSky's Gen-3 satellite constellation. The Gen-3 satellite will enter a circular 470km orbit at a mid-inclination, contributing to BlackSky's high-resolution imaging and AI-powered analytics for real-time global monitoring.

With this launch, Electron becomes the most frequently used launch vehicle for BlackSky, tallying ten missions to date. Rocket Lab's "Full Stream Ahead" will also be its seventh Electron mission in 2025 and its 65th launch overall, bringing the company's cumulative satellite count to 226.

The scheduled launch window opens at 01:30 UTC on May 28 (1:30 pm NZT, 9:30 pm Eastern and 6:30 pm Pacific on May 27).