Rocket Lab sends BlackSky Gen-3 satellite into orbit, strengthens private Earth imaging network

Rocket Lab has successfully launched a next-generation Earth-observing satellite for BlackSky, further cementing its role in the commercial spaceflight sector.

The mission, titled Full Stream Ahead, took off from Rocket Lab’s launch site in New Zealand on June 2 at 7:57 p.m. EDT (11:57 a.m. NZST, June 3), sending BlackSky’s Gen-3 satellite into a circular orbit 470 kilometers (292 miles) above Earth.

The Virginia-based BlackSky will now expand its constellation with the new Gen-3 addition, enhancing its ability to deliver high-resolution imagery and AI-powered analytics used for real-time global monitoring in areas such as defense, disaster response, and commercial planning.

This was the second of four planned Electron rocket launches for BlackSky in 2025 and the 10th Electron mission to carry its satellites overall. It also marked Rocket Lab’s seventh launch of the year and the 65th flight of its Electron vehicle, reinforcing its status as a leader in dedicated small satellite launches.

At 59 feet (18 meters) tall, Electron is specifically built to serve the small satellite market and has become an essential part of low Earth orbit deployment for commercial clients. The newly deployed Gen-3 satellite is expected to significantly boost BlackSky's capacity for delivering rapid geospatial intelligence.

Rocket Lab's ambitions go beyond small satellite launches.

The company is actively developing new systems, including HASTE, a suborbital version of the Electron rocket designed for hypersonic testing. At the same time, work continues on the upcoming Neutron rocket—a larger, partially reusable launch vehicle targeting medium-lift payloads and potentially human-rated missions. Neutron’s first launch is expected later this year.