Rocket Lab has struck a deal to launch a South Korean satellite in the first half of next year as the company preps for its "busiest launch year yet."
The Kiwi space company has announced it will launch an Earth observation satellite for the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) from its Hawke's Bay facility on Māhia Peninsula.
It comes after the company reached a milestone in August when it launched its 40th rocket.
KAIST's NeonSat-1 will be the primary payload on the "rideshare mission", which will also deploy NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System, otherwise known as ACS3 satellite, according to Rocket Lab.
The mission will lift off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1.
Rocket Lab founder and chief executive Peter Beck said: "2024 is shaping up to be our busiest launch year yet with a fully booked manifest of Electron missions.
“By combining this mission with the launch of NASA’s ACS3 spacecraft, we’ve been able to provide KAIST with a launch opportunity on short notice to help them reach orbit faster.
"It’s a privilege to be working with the KAIST team and we are thrilled to be providing them with timely and affordable launch services on Electron.”
NeonSat-1 is a "high-resolution optical satellite that will be deployed as a technology demonstration for a planned future Earth observation constellation."
KAIST is one of South Korea’s leading science and technology institutions, having operated the country's first satellite when it was first launched more than 30 years ago.
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