Week in Space Data, every Friday.
Every change of more than a minute to this launch's date, as we observed it. Only a move between two dates known to the day counts as a slip; a placeholder such as “NET 2026” rolling to “2027” is shown but not counted. How we classify moves · on-time record by provider
How to watch Electron · Aspera: your local time, official streams, where to see it in person →
The webcast for Electron · Aspera appears here once the provider posts it.
The broad sequence of an orbital launch. Details and times differ by rocket and mission; this is a guide, not live tracking.
In the last part of the count the rocket is fuelled, systems switch to internal power and the launch team is polled for a go.
The first-stage engines ignite and the rocket leaves the pad.
The moment of maximum aerodynamic pressure on the rocket during ascent.
The spent first stage separates and the upper stage takes over. Some rockets also drop side boosters earlier in the climb.
The upper stage burns to reach the planned orbit, sometimes in more than one burn with a coast in between.
The payload separates from the upper stage. On a crewed flight the capsule separates and flies on under its own power.
Chat opens two hours before liftoff once the launch time is set.
Telemetry and trajectory data shown is simulated for demonstration purposes. Real telemetry data would require integration with launch provider APIs.
Every entry is a change we recorded, not a forecast. Our sync checks Launch Library 2 every 15 minutes, so a time is when we saw the change and can trail the real moment. The liftoff time is the one the launch record states.
Target moved: firmed, caught up late
Dec 31, 2026 (placeholder) to Jan 29, 2027. Launch Library 2 made this change earlier, while our sync was not refreshing this launch; the time shown is when we caught up, not when it changed.
recorded by the launch ledger
Electron (Rocket Lab)
Electron is a small two-stage rocket for small satellites, built largely of carbon composite. Its Rutherford engines use electric motors to drive their propellant pumps: nine on the first stage, one on the second. It launches from Mahia, New Zealand and from Wallops, Virginia.
Source: Rocket Lab: Electron, checked 2026-09-27The provider's page for this flight
Checking for a discussion…