Rocket Lab has launched its latest mission for Germany-based global wildfire detection company OroraTech, completing the deployment within just four months of contract signing.
The mission, titled Finding Hot Wildfires Near You, lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, at 4:30 a.m. NZDT on March 27 (15:30 UTC on March 26). It placed eight satellites into a 550 km circular low Earth orbit, further strengthening OroraTech’s wildfire detection capabilities. This marks Rocket Lab’s fifth launch of 2025 and its 63rd overall, bringing the total number of satellites deployed by its Electron rocket to 224, including 21 in Q1 2025 alone.
Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck said: “This launch is yet another showcase of the exceptional qualities of Electron and the Rocket Lab team: a quick and streamlined turnaround to get this important mission in space, precise deployment for optimal global wildfire monitoring, and responsive service that perfectly meets customer requirements. I’m proud of the team’s consistent performance as we aim for another record-breaking year in launch with Electron.”
The mission expands OroraTech’s satellite constellation, equipping it with advanced thermal sensors for continuous real-time wildfire and hotspot monitoring. The data will provide essential support for first responders, governments and organisations working to protect lives, infrastructure, and the environment.
This marks Rocket Lab’s third Electron launch within two weeks from Launch Complex 1, reflecting its increasing launch cadence as the company targets over 20 missions in 2025. Upcoming launches include constellation-building missions for Synspective, iQPS and BlackSky, as well as hypersonic technology tests from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 in Virginia.
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