Early Thursday, a Rocket Lab Electron rocket carried four compact satellites into orbit from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, marking a significant step in space technology testing. This mission, funded by the US government, aims to evaluate a novel spacecraft design known as DiskSats.

Mounted inside a cylindrical dispenser atop the 59-foot-tall (18-meter) Electron rocket, the satellites were launched at 12:03 am EST (05:03 UTC). About an hour later, the rocket’s upper stage released each DiskSat individually at approximately 340 miles (550 kilometers) altitude, demonstrating their deployment capabilities in orbit.

Designed by the Aerospace Corporation, a federally funded research center, DiskSats represent a breakthrough in small satellite technology. The project is a collaboration between NASA and the US Space Force, with NASA financing the development and the Space Force covering the launch expenses.

Experts see this mission as a pivotal step toward more efficient, adaptable satellite systems that could revolutionize future space operations. According to industry analysts, such innovations could enhance satellite deployment speed and reduce costs in upcoming missions.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.