Rocket Lab’s Electron Rocket Photo: Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab has signed a launch contract with European space technology company OHB Group for a dedicated launch on an Electron rocket. The mission will launch a communications satellite for an OHB customer. It is scheduled for lift-off six months from now, in early 2021 from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand’s Māhia Peninsula. 

The launch was procured through OHB Cosmos International Launch Service GmbH, the launch service division of the OHB Group which offers rideshares. This is the first launch contract between Rocket Lab and OHB. 

Rocket Lab said with this launch, it has booked launches for every two weeks in 2021 across Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand and Launch Complex 2 in Virginia.

Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck said the launcher is excited to deliver rapid turnaround, dedicated small satellite launch for OHB. “Missions like this one put small satellite operators in the driver’s seat, giving them control over their launch schedule and orbit, on their terms,” Beck commented.