{"id":31636,"date":"2020-06-18T12:54:13","date_gmt":"2020-06-18T12:54:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2020\/06\/18\/us-to-continue-launching-spy-satellites-from-new-zealand-in-2021\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T18:19:36","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T18:19:36","slug":"us-to-continue-launching-spy-satellites-from-new-zealand-in-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/space\/2020\/06\/18\/us-to-continue-launching-spy-satellites-from-new-zealand-in-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"US to continue launching spy satellites from New Zealand in 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The U.S. National Reconnaissance Office is sticking with Rocket Lab for two back-to-back launches from New Zealand in 2021, the company announced June 18. The announcement follows the completion of Rocket Lab\u2019s second successful mission for the agency<\/a> earlier this month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slated for spring 2021, the missions will take place on Electron rockets from two separate launch pads at Rocket Lab\u2019s New Zealand complex. According to the company, this will allow it to launch the missions within weeks of each other, providing a more responsive launch capability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGiven the threat to space capabilities posed by potential adversaries, there simply cannot be a waiting room to get on orbit,\u201d said Lars Hoffman, Rocket Lab\u2019s senior vice president of global launch services. \u201cWith Electron launch vehicles on standby for rapid call-up and three launch pads capable of supporting up to 130 missions per year, we stand ready to respond to the national security community\u2019s needs with speed and precision, every time. We look forward to working with the dedicated team at the NRO once again for these important missions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\t