NorthStar 1

NorthStar 1

Electron JAN 31 2024 19:34 NZDT (06:34 UTC)

NorthStar Earth & Space Inc. (“NorthStar”), a first-in-class leader in the delivery of commercial space-based SSA (Space Situational Awareness) services to enhance space sustainability and security, today announces the successful launch of NorthStar-1, the first four of its SSA satellites from the Rocket Lab Launch Complex in Mahia, New Zealand on January 31st, 2024, at 19:34 NZDT / 06:34 UTC with an imposed shortened launch window to avoid other space objects during the early launch phase.

Last updated: May 10, 2024

Launch Information

Launch Information

Launch Vehicle Details

Mission NameNorthStar 1
Launch SiteRocket Lab Launch Complex 1B, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
Launch VehicleElectron
AgencyRocket Lab
Launch DateJAN 31 2024
NorthStar is pleased to announce the successful launch of the first four of our SSA satellites. The NorthStar-1 launch of the worlds first dedicated space-based SSA satellites is part of a movement towards a new era of space safety, sustainability, and security, radically changing humanitys interaction with the fragile space environment. NorthStars unique services are the result of a highly challenging technical collaboration across multiple disciplines including astrophysics, orbit dynamics, systems engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, algorithm and software development.

Launch Vehicle - Electron

Payload To LEOOriginal: 225 Kg (496 lb) Updated: 300 Kg (660 lb)
Payload To SSOOriginal: 150 Kg (330 lb) Updated: 200 Kg (440 lb)
PropellantRP-1/LOX
Payload Capacity150–225 Kg (331–496 lb)
Height18 m (59 ft)
Diameter1.2 m (3 ft 11 in)
Mass12.5 t (28000 lb)
Stages2–3

NorthStar 1 Launch Video

NorthStar 1