Responsive Space
Accelerating the path to orbit with rapid call-up launch on demand and agile satellite solutions
When satellites fail, whether through accidental and deliberate actions, the repercussions on the ground are swift and widespread. Commercial and government operators alike can't afford to lose capability on orbit. In today’s dynamic environment, the ability to establish new technologies on orbit is also crucial to provide time-critical insights and capability from space.
Rocket Lab's Responsive Space Program enables this, ensuring space assets can be launched, reconstituted, and augmented on rapid timelines, delivering confidence and resilience to our customers.
Responsive Launch,
Responsive Satellites
Electron – proven rocket delivering quick-reaction launch
Restoration of
disabled assets
Establishment of new technologies
on orbit enabling agile R&D
Constellation
replenishment
Rocket Lab satellites – reliable spacecraft buses for constellations and rapid R&D
Prototyping of new spacecraft
technology and concepts
with proven common
bus structures and subsystems
Constellations based on
Rocket Lab satellites,
with satellites available on
standby for customer payload
integration and launch on demand
Schedule assurance
through vertical
integration and control
of supply chain
Launch On
Demand
Launch vehicles, payload processing
facilities, personnel, launch sites and
ground stations capable of supporting
24-hour rapid call up launch.
Flexible Launch
Locations
Three launch pads across two
hemispheres. Choose from Launch
Complex 1 in New Zealand or Launch
Complex 2 in Wallops, Virginia.
Proven
Capability
Reliable launch vehicle and proven team
that has delivered more than 180
spacecraft to orbit. We've demonstrated
the ability to support rapid integration
and short notice customer-driven
changes in launch schedule,
inclination, and launch site.
High Launch
Cadence
With three dedicated launch pads, launch
vehicles on standby allocated to responsive
missions, extensive vertically integrated
manufacturing operations supporting rapid
launch vehicle build times, and a proven
team that has launched more than 27
missions, we know how to launch again
and again like clockwork.
Wide Range
Of Orbits
Launch Complex 1:
30° - SSO+
Launch Complex 2:
30° - SSO+
Rapid Payload
Integration
Satellites received, integrated,
encapsulated, and ready
for launch in 24 hours.
Sensitive and classified payload
processing supported.
Proven
Spacecraft
Technology
Rocket Lab satellite technology
features in 1,700 spacecraft on
orbit and counting, including
complete Photon spacecraft
designed, built, launched and
operated by Rocket Lab.
Vertically
Integrated
Manufacturing
High degree of supply chain certainty and
rapid production timelines enabled by
in-house manufacturing of launch vehicles
and flight-proven spacecraft subsystems
including solar, structures, radios, separation
systems, propulsion, flight software, star
trackers, and reaction wheels.
We keep responsive
space simple
Here’s how we get ready to launch your satellite in days
Mission Planning
and Concept of
Operations
Your dedicated mission management team
will work with you to understand your
mission requirements, reference orbits,
payload and integration specifications.
From this, we’ll tailor a bespoke rapid
responsive launch plan for your mission.
This could include a responsive launch
plan, responsive satellite solution, or both.
Satellite
build and Test
If you choose a launch plus satellite
package, we'll keep your Rocket Lab-built
satellite flight-ready and awaiting
integration with your payload on demand.
Standby period
We will remain on standby in a state of
launch readiness to support your mission
on your call. We will conduct periodic
reviews to ensure con-ops remain fit for
mission requirements.
Notice to
launch issued
You give us the call to launch and the clock
starts on your required mission timing.
Payload delivered
and integrated
From arrival at the launch site, payload
integration and encapsulation can be
completed in 24 hours.
Personnel and
Assets Readied
Dedicated team to support 24 hour
operations including mission manager,
launch operations engineers and
technicians. Our dedicated range tracking
assets will be configured for flight.
Let's launch
24 hours from call-up, we'll launch
your satellite to the precise,
planned orbit from one of our two
launch complexes: LC-1 in New
Zealand or LC-2 in Virginia.
On-orbit
operations
If you've chosen a Rocket Lab satellite as well
as launch on Electron, our proven team can
operate your satellite from one of our five
mission operations centers across California,
Colorado, Virginia and New Zealand.