Rocket Lab launches 5 satellites on mystery mission

Rocket Lab successfully launched five satellites for a confidential customer on Aug. 23, marking the 70th flight of its Electron rocket. The “Live, Laugh, Launch” mission lifted off from New Zealand at 6:42 p.m. EDT, placing the satellites into a 413-mile (665 km) circular orbit. Details about the payload remain secret, and the webcast ended shortly after liftoff at the customer’s request, Space.com has reported. This was Rocket Lab’s 12th launch of 2025 as it also develops its larger, partially reusable Neutron rocket expected later this year.