PAYLOAD

USER'S
GUIDE
AUG US T 2018
Vers ion 6.2

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 1

U n p r e c e d e n t e d a c c e s s t o s pa c e

Unprecedented
access to space

We are in an exciting new era of small satellite technology - one that’s making life
on Earth better. Small satellites keep us connected, provide security, help us monitor
resources and environmental change, and they enable us to explore new and
exciting science that benefits us all. Access to orbit for these small satellites has been
challenging, until now.

We believe the launch process should be simple, seamless and tailored to your mission
- from idea to orbit.

Since the Electron launch vehicle was first conceived in 2013, every detail of the
Rocket Lab launch experience has been designed to provide small satellites with
rapid, reliable and affordable access to space.

Innovation is at the core of the Electron launch vehicle, just as it’s at the core of the
revolutionary small satellites we’re launching to orbit. We’ve designed Electron to be
built and launched with unprecedented frequency, while providing the smoothest ride
and most precise deployment to orbit for your satellite. We’ve also developed the
world’s only private orbital launch pad to provide unrivalled scheduling freedom.

Humankind’s next major achievements await us on orbit. We’ll take you there.

Peter Beck

Founder and Chief Executive of Rocket Lab

pay l o a d u s e r s g u i d e o v e r v i e w

PAYLOAD USER’S
GUIDE OVERVIEW
This document is presented as an introduction to the launch services available
on the Electron Launch Vehicle. It is provided for planning purposes only and is
superseded by any mission specific documentation provided by Rocket Lab.

Revision History

DATE VERSION HISTORY

June, 2015 1.0 First Release
May, 2016 2.0 Updated Release
September, 2016 3.0 Updated Release
December, 2016 4.0 Updated Release
April, 2017 5.0 Updated Release
June, 2018 6.0 Updated Release
July, 2018 6.1 Updated Release
August, 2018 6.2 Updated Release

contact rocket lab

rocketlabusa.com
[email protected]
+1 714-655-2936

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 3

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

1 MEET ELECTRON...................................2 8 MEET MAXWELL................................... 30

Key Features of Electron..................................4
9 PAYLOAD & LAUNCH OPERATIONS....... 32
2 MEET RUTHERFORD............................... 5 Standard services.......................................... 33
3 MEET THE KICK STAGE...........................7 Non-standard services................................... 33
Mission integration schedule......................... 34
4 AVIONICS............................................. 10
Payload processing facilities.......................... 35
5 PAYLOAD ACCOMMODATION............... 12 Transportation..............................................36
The Fairing.................................................... 13 Launch operations schedule..........................36
Payload Plate................................................ 14 Post-launch reporting.................................... 37
Payload Electrical Interfaces......................... 15
10 ROCKET LAB FACILITIES...................... 38
Seperation Systems...................................... 16
Rocket Lab USA Headquarters......................39
6 FLIGHT ENVIRONMENTS..................... 17 Huntington Beach Payload Processing
Fairing Thermal & Humidity Environment..... 18 Facility..........................................................40
Acceleration Loads........................................ 19 Rocket Lab, Auckland, NZ............................. 41
Shock............................................................20 LC-1, Mahia, New Zealand -
Acoustic........................................................ 21 Launch Facility..............................................42
Random Vibration.........................................22 Payload Processing Facility &
Radio Frequency (RF).................................... 23 Customer Area..............................................45
Venting.........................................................23 11 MEET THE TEAM..................................46
Safety Requirements.....................................24
12 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE..................48
7 PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW.................. 25 List of Figures................................................48
Performance Capability................................. 27 List of Tables.................................................49
Orbit injection accuracy............................... .28 List of Acronyms...........................................49
Attitude and deployment rates.....................28
Sample flight profile......................................29

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 01

 1. meet
ELECTRON
MEET ELECTRON

your mission - from idea to orbit.

02 AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2

 Your ride to orbit
yo u r r i d e t o o r b i t

Designed and manufactured by Rocket Lab, Electron is the world’s most innovative
and advanced small launch vehicle. Every detail of Electron has been designed for rapid
production to support a weekly launch cadence, freeing the small satellite market from
launch bottlenecks.

Standing at 17 meters (55 feet and 9.3 inches) tall,

with a diameter of 1.2 meters (3 feet 11.2 inches) and
a lift off mass of 13,000 kg (28,600 lbs), Electron is
optimized for launching 150 kg (330lbs) to a 500 km
sun-synchronous orbit.

Elegant design.
Exceptional performance.

Innovation is at the core of Rocket Lab and it flows through every aspect of Electron.
Electron utilizes advanced carbon composite technologies throughout the launch
vehicle structures, including all of Electron’s propellant tanks. The all carbon-composite
construction of Electron decreases mass by as much as 40 percent, resulting in enhanced
vehicle performance. Rocket Lab fabricates tanks and other carbon composite structures
in-house improve cost efficiency and drive rapid production.
Electron is powered by a total of ten Rutherford engines, named after the notable
New Zealand-born Physicist, Ernest Rutherford, who split the atom in 1917. Rutherford
is the first oxygen/hydrocarbon engine to use additive manufacturing for all primary
components, including the regeneratively cooled thrust chamber, injector pumps, and
main propellant valves. Rutherford adopts an entirely new electric propulsion cycle, using
brushless DC electric motors and high-performance lithium polymer batteries to drive its
propellant pumps. Nine Rutherford engines power Electron’s first stage and one vacuum
optimized Rutherford engine powers Electron’s second stage.

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 03

 Fairing

Kick stage

Payload plate
ta k e a l o o k i n s i d e

SECOND stage

RUTHERFORD VACUUM ENGINE

INTERSTAGE
Figure 1 Electron Launch Vehicle Configuration

OV E R A L L
LENGTH
17M
DIAMETER (MAX)
1.2M
STAGES
2 + OPTIONAL KICK STAGE
VEHICLE MASS (LIFTOFF)
13,000KG
MATERIAL/STRUCTURE
CARBON FIBER COMPOSITE/MONOCOQUE
PROPELLANT
LOX/KEROSENE

PAY L OA D
NOMINAL PAYLOAD
150KG TO SSO FIRST STAGE
PAYLOAD DIAMETER
1.08M
PAYLOAD HEIGHT
1.91M
FAIRING SEP SYSTEM
Pneumatic UNLOCKING, SPRINGS

S TAG E 2
PROPULSION
1X RUTHERFORD VACUUM ENGINE
THRUST
5500 LBF VACUUM
ISP
343 SEC

I N T E R S TAG E
SEPARATION SYSTEM
Pneumatic Pusher

S TAG E 1
PROPULSION
9X RUTHERFORD SEA LEVEL ENGINES POWER PACK
THRUST
5500 LBF SEA LEVEL (PER ENGINE)
ISP
311 SEC 9x Rutherford Sea Level Engines

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 2. meet
Rutherford
meet Rutherford

THE FIRST OF ITS KIND.

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 05

 THE FIRST OF ITS KIND.
MEET RUTHERFORD

Electron’s Rutherford engines are named after notable New Zealand-born Physicist Ernest
Rutherford (1871 – 1937), who split the atom in 1917 and challenged scientific thinking
of the day. Rocket Lab’s flagship engine, the 5,500 lbf (24 kN) Rutherford, is an electric
pumped LOx/ Kerosene engine specifically designed for the Electron launch vehicle.
Rutherford adopts an entirely new electric propulsion cycle, making use of brushless DC
electric motors and high-performance lithium polymer batteries to drive its propellant
pumps. This cuts down on much of the complex turbomachinery typically required for gas
generator cycle engines, meaning that the Rutherford is simpler to build than a traditional
engine but still can achieve 90% efficiency.

Figure 2 First Stage Figure 3 Rutherford Stage 1 Configuration

Rutherford Engine

Rutherford is also the first oxygen/hydrocarbon engine to use additive manufacturing for all
primary components, including the regeneratively cooled thrust chamber, injector pumps,
and main propellant valves. The Stage 1 and Stage 2 Rutherford engines are identical, with
the exception of a larger expansion ratio nozzle for Stage 2 for improved performance in
near-vacuum-conditions. All aspects of the Rutherford engines are completely designed in-
house and are manufactured directly at our Huntington Beach facility.

06 AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2

 3. meet THE
KICK STAGE
m e e t T H E K I C K S TA G E

Unrivaled flexibility for

precise orbital deployment.

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 07

 unmatched flexibility for
M E E T T H E K I C K S TA G E

orbital deployment
Rocket Lab’s Kick Stage offers our customers unmatched flexibility for orbital deployment.
The Kick Stage is used to circularize an orbit and is capable of multiple engine burns to
deliver multiple payloads to a range of different orbits with precision insertion.
The Kick Stage was successfully demonstrated on Rocket Lab’s “Still Testing” flight in
January 2018.
The Kick Stage is powered by the Curie engine, named for the physicist and chemist Marie
Curie, and is developed and manufactured in-house by Rocket Lab using 3D printing.
The Kick Stage additionally is equipped with a cold gas reaction control system for
precision pointing, as well as its own avionics, power, and communications systems.
Rocket Lab is committed to the sustainable use of space and the Kick Stage has been
designed with this in mind. The Curie engine has restart capability allowing for de-orbit of
the stage, leaving nothing on orbit but our customers’ satellites.

Figure 4 Rocket Lab's Kick Stage being intergrated with the fairing

08 AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2

m e e t T H E K I C K S TA G E

Figure 5 Rocket Lab's Kick Stage

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 09

 4. avionics
High-performance flight
computer systems.
AV I O N I C S

10 AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2

 high-performance flight
computer systems
Rocket Lab has designed high-performing avionics and flight computer systems, including
in-house assembly and testing. The computing nodes make use of state-of-the-art FPGA
architecture, allowing massive customization of function while retaining hardware
AV I O N I C S

commonality.
Rocket Lab performs avionics validation not only at the component level, but also in our
sophisticated hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test facility which allows for integrated launch
vehicle and software simulation and testing.
The Electron launch vehicle is currently equipped with a standard flight termination
system, although Rocket Lab is actively developing an autonomous flight termination
system with initial flights expected in 2018.

Figure 6 Rocket Lab Avionics

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 PAY L O A D A C C O M M O D AT I O N

5. PAYLOAD
ACCOMMODATION
make yourself at home.

12 AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2

PAY L O A D A C C O M M O D AT I O N

THE FAIRING
Electron’s Payload Fairing is a composite split clam shell design and includes environmental
control for the payload. During separation, each half of the fairing is designed to rotate on a
hinge away from the payload, resulting in a safe separation motion.

Figure 7 Sample configuration

inside of the fairing

S P E C I F I C AT I O N VA L U E

Length 2.5 m
Diameter (maximum) 1.2 m
Mass 44 kg
Acoustic Protection Foam Sheets
Separation System Pneumatic Unlocking, Springs

Table 1 Electron fairing specifications

Rocket Lab can develop custom solutions for customers with payloads that exceed the
standard envelope.

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 13

 PAY L O A D A C C O M M O D AT I O N

PAYLOAD PLATE
The primary means of attachment between the Electron launch vehicle and the customer
payload is via the Payload Plate, which typically forms the direct interface between the
spacecraft separation system and the launch vehicle. For rideshare missions, multiple
spacecraft separation systems may be mounted directly to the payload plate or Rocket
Lab may recommend the use of a multiple payload adapter, to make best use of the
available space within the fairing. Customers can provide their own adapters or Rocket Lab
can provide one as a non-standard service.
Approximately 1m in diameter, Rocket Lab’s Payload Plate is a honeycomb composite
structure which is customized with an interface bolt pattern specifically to match the
customer’s requirements. Payload Plate configurations can be customized to accept single or
multiple satellites, independent of whether they are CubeSat or microsatellite form factors.

Figure 8 Rocket Lab payload plate

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PAY L O A D A C C O M M O D AT I O N

Figure 9 Rocket Lab payload plate, payload configuration for NASA ELANA mission

Payload Electrical
Interfaces
The Electron offers a standardized bulkhead electrical interface for connecting one or more
spacecraft separation systems. Details of this interface are provided in the mission specific
ICD.
As a non-standard service, a payload electrical umbilical, available from spacecraft mate to
the launch vehicle, through launch, is available for customer use. The umbilical provides up
to ten twisted shielded pairs and ethernet connectivity, allowing Customers to charge and
monitor spacecraft post-encapsulation. If this service is utilized, an electrical ground support
equipment interface panel will be accessible both in the hangar and in a customer equipment
room near the launch pad. Umbilical harness specifications will be defined in the mission
specific ICD and provided in accordance with contractual requirements.

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 15

 PAY L O A D A C C O M M O D AT I O N

Separation systems
Electron has been designed to support all commercially available payload separation
systems, both mechanically and electrically. Electron has the added capability to deploy
multiple separation systems during a single mission, enabling rideshare missions without
additional sequencer hardware. Rocket Lab can procure the separation system on a
Customer’s behalf, integrate a customer supplied system, or supply a Rocket Lab-developed
separation system – such as our Maxwell series of CubeSat dispensers.
For microsatellites customers looking for a turn key solution, Rocket Lab has worked with
RUAG to offer the PAS 381S separation system as a standard option on the Electron. The
PAS 381S is perfectly sized for Electron-class dedicated payloads and is cross compatible
with the standard 15" ESPA interface that many small satellites have been designed to. The
PAS 381S can be configured for flight in advance of the spacecraft arrival at the launch site,
so all that remains is the installation of bolts at the mechanical interface and any required
electrical connections or hookups. The RUAG PAS 381S for Electron has also been designed
to accomodate a fly-away electrical umbilical interface, for those customers who require
power or connectivity during on-pad operations.

Figure 10 PAS 381S separation system

16 AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2

 6. flight
FLIGHT ENVIRONMENTS

environments
The smoothest ride to orbit.

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 17

 FLIGHT ENVIRONMENTS

The smoothest ride to orbit

Electron’s payload environments provide the most secure and smooth ascent to orbit on the
market.
Rocket Lab performs mission specific analyses as part of the standard launch service
statement of work, including incorporating data from previous flights to further refine
launch environments. The loads and environments provided in this section are for
reference only – final mission environments are provided to customers via the mission
specific ICD. The environments represent the flight level maximum predicted environment
(MPE) at the top of the payload plate and do not include any additional margin for testing
of spacecraft. Rocket Lab recommends Customers follow the guidelines in GSFC-STD-7000
for spacecraft testing margins.

Fairing Thermal and

Humidity Environment
The fairing environment is controlled from encapsulation through deployment, with a
maximum relative humidity of 65%. Rocket Lab will perform a mission specific thermal
analysis encompassing events from roll-out to deploymnent on orbit.

18 AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2

FLIGHT ENVIRONMENTS

Acceleration loads
The payload will be subjected to a range of axial and lateral accelerations during flight. The
maximum predicted load factors will typically be within the envelope shown in the Figure
below. This envelopes both static and dynamic loads. Mission specific accelerations will be
determined via coupled loads analysis and provided in the mission ICD.

Figure 11 Electron Load Factors. Results are indicative of single-deck cubesat rideshare

m a x l at e r a l max axial

± 2 +8/-4

Table 2 Electron Load Factors. Positive sign represents compressive loads

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 19

 FLIGHT ENVIRONMENTS

Shock
The maximum predicted shock response at the Payload Plate from all sources of launch
vehicle shock is shown below in Figure 12 and Table 3.

Figure 12 Electron Shock MPE

frequency(hz) s r s a c c e l e r at i o n

100 50
900 800
10000 800

Table 3 Electron Shock MPE

20 AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2

FLIGHT ENVIRONMENTS

acoustics
The maximum predicted acoustic environment within the Payload Fairing will be at or below
the levels shown in Figure 13, below.

Figure 13 Payload Fairing Acoustic Environment

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 21

 Random Vibration
FLIGHT ENVIRONMENTS

The dominant environment for small spacecraft is random vibration. The red smoothline
in Figure 14 below represents the current MPE based on mission analysis and flight data.
The black line represents the NASA GEVS 10 GRMS acceptance levels, which conservatively
envelopes the MPE. Until Rocket Lab has incorporated additional flight data, NASA GEVS is
provided as the recommended acceptance level. Customer specific test levels and notching
strategies will be reviewed by Rocket Lab on a mission specific basis.

Figure 14 Current MPE based on mission analysis and flight data

Recommended Test Environment (GEVS)

frequency(hz) psd(g^2/hz)

20 0.013
50 0.080
800 0.080
2000 0.013

Table 4 Recommended Test Environment

22 AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2

 Radio Frequency
FLIGHT ENVIRONMENTS

The primary source of radiated emissions from Electron are from the UHF omni-directional
antennas on the kickstage, which are mounted on the outward side of the payload adapter
cone structure, below the Payload Plate. The worst case radiated emissions at the time of
payload activation will be enveloped by the level(s) in the table below.

Frequency [MHz] v/ m d b u v/ m

401.85 38.72 50

Table 5 The worst case radiated emissions at the time of payload activation

venting
The fairing compartment de-pressurization rate is less than 1.8 kPa/sec, apart from a
short period during lift-off and transonic flight. An overpressure of ~0.5 kPa relative to the
atmosphere is maintained for the majority of the flight. The maximum de-pressurisation rate
is 2.8 kPa/s or 0.4 Psi/s.

Figure 15 Electrons fairing compartment pressure and depressurization rates

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 23

 FLIGHT ENVIRONMENTS

Safety requirements
Details of all safety requirements will be discerned once all the safety documentation has
been received. Hazardous operations include but are not limited to the use of high-pressure
systems, heavy hydraulic lifting, toxic materials and ordnance operations. Rocket Lab will
work closely with the payload customer to ensure all safety procedures are understood
and implemented.

24 AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2

p e r f o r m a n c e ov e rv i e w

7. performance
overview
Elegant design.
Exceptional performance.

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 25

 SIMPLE, SEAMLESS AND
TAILORED TO YOUR MISSION
P E R F O R M A N C E OV E RV I E W

From Rocket Lab’s Māhia Launch Complex 1, Electron can be flown on trajectories of
inclinations ranging from 39 degrees to Sun-Synchronous Orbit (98 degrees). Additional
inclinations outside of this range may also be possible upon request.
Rocket Lab is also developing a second launch pad, to be located on US soil. The location
and details of the site will be available in August 2018.
Electron is capable of reaching a wide range of both circular and elliptical orbits. One of
the most common orbits requested by Customers is a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), which
is shown in Figure 8 and Table 3. Electron is designed to place 150kg into a circular SSO at
500km altitude.

PAYLOAD VS SUN-SYNC ORBIT ALTITUDE

Figure 16 Performance to Circular Sun-Synchronous Orbit

O R B I T A LT I T U D E ( K M ) PAY L O A D M A S S ( KG )

300 168
400 159
500 150
600 142
700 133

Table 6 Performance to Circular Sun-Synchronous Orbit

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P E R F O R M A N C E OV E RV I E W

Performance capability
For customers seeking non-traditional orbits, Figure 17 and Table 7 below represent the
maximum performance for an elliptical orbit launched due east from the Mahia launch site.

ELLIPTICAL ORBIT: PAYLOAD VS APOGEE

(PERIGEE: 180 KM, INCLINATION: 39°)
233

231

229
Payload (kg)

227

225

223

221

219
300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700
Apogee (km)

Figure 17 Performance to a 180 km Perigee at 39° Inclination Elliptical Orbit

A P O G E E ( K M ) PAY L O A D M A S S ( KG )

300 231
400 229
500 226
600 224
700 221

Table 7 Performance to a 180 km Perigee at 39° Inclination Elliptical Orbit

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 P E R F O R M A N C E OV E RV I E W

Orbit injection accuracy

Electron can achieve the following target mission injection accuracies for a typical mission to
500km SSO, as shown in Table 8. Note that mission-specific payload injection accuracies will
be calculated as part of mission analysis at Rocket Lab.

Inclinations +/- 0.15 deg

Perigee +/- 15km
Apogee +/- 15km

Table 8 Orbit Injection Accuracy

Attitude and
Deployment rates
Electron can achieve the following target mission injection accuracies for a typical mission to
500km SSO, as shown in Table 9. Note that mission-specific payload injection accuracies will
be calculated as part of mission analysis at Rocket Lab.

D E P L OY M E N T M A R G I N S

Attitude +/- 5 deg

Rates +/- 1 deg/s

Table 9 Deployment Margins

The onboard cold gas thruster attitude control system (ACS) of the kick stage will provide
the capability to hold a nominal attitude prior to separation of the payload, resulting in low
deployment attitude and rate margins. Mission-specific values will be provided by Rocket Lab.

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P E R F O R M A N C E OV E RV I E W

Sample Flight Profile

Electron lifts off shortly after ignition of all nine Stage 1 Rutherford engines. Stage 1
engine cutoff occurs at approximately T+ 2 mins 30 sec into flight, followed shortly by
stage separation and Stage 2 engine ignition. The payload fairing is jettisoned at ~T+3 mins
into flight. At about T+7 minutes, two batteries for the electric pumps are exhausted and
jettisoned. Stage 2 engine cutoff occurs about a minute later at ~T+9mins, followed by Kick
stage separation, coast and ignition.

Coast

Figure 18 Example of an Electron flight profile

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 29

 8. MEET
MAXWELL
LIGHTWEIGHT CUBESAT DISPENSERS,
MEET MAXWELL

READY WHEN YOU NEED THEM.

30 AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2

 MEET MAXWELL
Rocket Lab has internally developed a series of rail-based CubeSat dispensers named
Maxwell. The Maxwell series is available in a variety of CubeSat form factors, including
1U, 3U, 6U, 12U and 16U. The 3U Maxwell is shown in Figure 13. Non-standard sizes such
as 2U or 8U are also available. Custom sizes can be accommodated according to customer
specifications.
MEET MAXWELL

The Maxwell dispensers are extremely lightweight, with the 3U dispenser weighing less than
1 kg. The dispensers have been designed to be compatible with spacecraft designed to the
CubeSat Design Specification, in addition to offering extra volume compared to comparable
systems. The Maxwell dispensers have been designed to environments in excess of Electron’s
own benign launch environments, and as such are compatible with not only Electron, but
other launch applications as well.
Maxwell dispensers can be manufactured quickly and have relatively short lead times, in
support of Rocket Lab’s effort toward significantly improving launch integration schedules.
Please contact Rocket Lab for additional details on the Maxwell dispensers.
For customers looking for a way to perform vibration testing on their CubeSats, Rocket Lab
also offers test-only versions of the Maxwell for repetitive use.

Figure 19 Rocket Lab’s Maxwell Dispensers

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 Pay l o a d a n d l a u n c h o p e r at i o n s

9. Payload
and launch
operations
SIMPLE AND SEAMLESS.

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Pay l o a d a n d l a u n c h o p e r at i o n s

Standard services
As a part of the standard launch service, Rocket Lab offers the following Customer
services. Note that these services will be included in the mission-specific Statement
of Work.
• Mission integration analyses (CLA, Thermal, Trajectory)
• Creation and management of the Interface Control Documentation
and associated verifications
• Obtain launch license from the FAA with Customer inputs
• Facilitate range safety review process
• Provide required signals for payload deployment
• Test electrical interfaces with payload
• Provide temperature, humidity, and cleanliness control in the fairing
• ISO 8 equivalent processing facilities with temperature & humidity control
• Installment of Customer logo on Payload Fairing
• Customer advertisement on live launch webcast
• Mission Operations support during launch and deployment
• Provide separation confirmation and state vector
• Post-flight summary or report

non-Standard services
In addition to standard services, Rocket Lab can also offer the following optional services
to customers. Please contact Rocket Lab for more information on optional services.
• Provision of Maxwell CubeSat Deployers and test hardware
• Payload fueling services and hardware
• Custom payload adapters
• Additional Analyses Cycles (CLA, Thermal, etc)
• Early integration studies
• Provision of electrical harnesses and connectors
• Umbilical connection to EGSE
• Enhanced cleanliness controls (ISO 7)
• Arrangement of Payload Transport to launch site
• ITAR – Export compliance

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 Pay l o a d a n d l a u n c h o p e r at i o n s

Mission Integration
Schedule
The following timeline is an example of a standard Integration dedicated mission.
Rideshare missions may work to shorter, more streamlined schedules. Rocket Lab can work
to accelerated schedules as needed; please contact Rocket Lab to discuss mission-specific
timeline needs.

Approximate
Rocket Lab to Customer Customer to Rocket Lab
Timeframe

Payload Questionaire
Signature +1m
Draft Mission ICD Payload CAD Model
(Launch - 12m)
Preliminary Mass Properties

Launch - 10m Payload Plate Layout Mission Specific ICD Edits

Payload CLA Model

Launch - 9m Initial Mission ICD Release
Payload Thermal Model

Launch - 8m Signed Mission ICD

Mission ICD Verifications

Nominal Trajectory, Separation
Payload Processing Inputs
& Recontact Analysis
Launch - 6m Payload Safety Inputs
CLA Results
Mission ICD Verifications
Thermal Results
Launch Window Notification

Final Mass Properties

Launch - 4m Payload Processing Plan
ICD Verifications

Payload Licensing Confirmations

Dispersed Trajectory, Separation Launch License Inputs
Launch - 3m
& Recontact Analysis Daily Payload Processing Schedule
Licensing Confirmations

(Preship Review) Electron Readiness Confirmation As Measured Mass Properties

Launch - 45d Launch Date Confirmation Spacecraft Readiness Verification

Mission Analysis Updates Payload Arrival at Launch

Launch - 1m
Start of Launch campaign Integration Facility

Launch - 15d Fairing Encapsulation

Launch - 5d Launch Readiness Review

LAUNCH

Table 10 Example of a standard Integration Schedule

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Pay l o a d a n d l a u n c h o p e r at i o n s

Payload Processing
Facilities
Rocket Lab has two Payload Processing Facilities: one in Huntington Beach, California,
and one located in the hangar of the Mahia Launch Complex. Services and infrastructure
available at both facilities include:
• Class 100,000 (ISO 8) Cleanroom
• Standard 110V AC @ 60Hz and 230V @ 50 Hz Power
• Office and desk spaces equipped with Internet/Ethernet ports for customers’
mobile devices
• Access to Wifi, Conference room space, handheld tools and machine shop
• Nitrogen, and compressed air supplies
• Secure area including 24/7 security guards, building access control, and video
monitoring

Additional services and infrastructure available at Mahia include

• Class 100,000 (ISO 8) Cleanroom
• Overhead crane for payload integration operations
• Secure area including 24/7 security guards, building access control,
video monitoring, and an area warning system
• Fueling carts and procurement of “green” propellants (available as
a non-standard service)
• Payload EGSE Room Adjacent to Launch Pad (Optional service)
• Customer Range Control Center (Optional Service)

Figure 20 Rocket Lab's Payload Processing Facilities

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 Pay l o a d a n d l a u n c h o p e r at i o n s

Transportation
Payload shipment to the launch site is to arrive no later than 30 days prior to launch.
Depending on customer preference, payloads can either be integrated and prepared for
shipment in Rocket Lab’s Huntington Beach, CA cleanroom facility, or can be shipped directly
to the launch site and integrated in the Payload Processing Facility (PPF) at LC-1.
All payloads will arrive in Auckland, New Zealand to clear customs, then will be transported
by ground (or by air, if the Customer prefers) to the Mahia LC-1 PPF. Rocket Lab can arrange
transportation between Auckland and Mahia as an additional service if requested.
For Rideshare Missions, CubeSats will typically be integrated to their dispensers at
Huntington Beach approximately 40 days prior to launch.
Upon arrival at the LC-1 PPF, the payload is immediately unloaded and transferred to the
cleanroom.

Launch Operations
Schedule
The standard payload processing schedule is consistent with the example schedule shown
in Figure 21. Note that timelines can be altered upon Customer request. Please contact
Rocket Lab for more information.

Figure 21 Example of a standard payload processing schedule

36 AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2

Pay l o a d a n d l a u n c h o p e r at i o n s

Post-launch Reporting
Post-payload separation, within T + 90 minutes, Rocket Lab will deliver a state vector to
the Customer based on initial data.

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 37

 10. ROCKET LAB
r o c k e t l a b fac i l i t i e s

FACILITIES
Tailored to your mission.

38 AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2

 rOCKET Lab Facilities
r o c k e t l a b fac i l i t i e s

Rocket Lab has three primary facilities: Rocket Lab USA (Headquarters) in Huntington
Beach, California; Rocket Lab Ltd in Auckland, NZ; and Launch Complex 1, in Mahia
Peninsula, NZ. Rocket Lab also operates two test facilities in New Zealand, close to the
Rocket Lab Ltd. offices in Auckland, for engine and stage testing. Rocket Lab is in the
process of developing a second launch site, to be located in the United States.

Rocket Lab Headquarters

– Huntington Beach, ca
Rocket Lab USA headquarters are based in Huntington Beach, California, less than 1
hour from Los Angeles International Airport. Rocket Lab has dedicated a portion of HQ
specifically to our Customers, with meeting areas, office space, and a Customer Control
Center with connectivity to Auckland, Mahia, and any future launch sites. Rocket Lab
HQ includes production, payload processing, and office facilities. Rocket Lab’s Mission
Management organization is based within Headquarters as well.

Figure 22 Rocket Lab's USA Headquarters Figure 23 Rocket Lab's Huntington Beach
production warehouse

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 39

 Huntington Beach Payload
r o c k e t l a b fac i l i t i e s

Processing Facility
The Huntington Beach Payload Processing Facility at Rocket Lab USA currently includes a
gowning room and an ISO 8 (Class 100,000) cleanroom (see Section 4.5 for a list of services
available). Client areas are available adjacent to the cleanroom as well in a separate office
area designed specifically for customers with desk space, internet connectivity, and power
outlets.

Figure 24 Rocket Lab's Huntington Beach Payload Processing Facility layout

Figure 25 Rocket Lab's Huntington

Beach Payload Processing Facility

40 AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2

 Rocket Lab Ltd,
Auckland, New Zealand
r o c k e t l a b fac i l i t i e s

Rocket Lab Ltd is based in Auckland, New Zealand, minutes from the Auckland
International Airport. This facility is the location of Rocket Lab’s Research and
Development team, and includes engineering, manufacturing, and test personnel
under one roof. In addition, Rocket Lab Mission Control is also based in the Auckland
Facility. The Mission Control facility also includes a dedicated Customer Mission
Operations Room, for use during the launch campaign.
Rocket Lab’s engine test cell and stage test cell are also conveniently located within
driving distance of the Auckland office.

Figure 26 Rocket Lab's Mission Control in Auckland

Figure 27 Rocket Lab's

engine test cell in Auckland

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 41

 Launch Complex 1,
Mahia, New Zealand
r o c k e t l a b fac i l i t i e s

Rocket Lab currently operates the world’s only private orbital launch range. The Mahia
Peninsula-based site is FAA-licensed and can support up to 120 launches per year. The site is
located at (-39.261500, 177.864876) on Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.

Auckland
Test Facilities

Figure 28 New Zealand and its Global Location

The launch site also includes a Command and Control Facility located 3.5km from the launch
pad, outside of the safety zone. This location houses workstations for flight safety, payloads,
launch vehicle teams, and the launch director. This is also the location of the tracking
antennas on the day of launch.

Figure 29 Launch Site Layout

42 AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2

r o c k e t l a b fac i l i t i e s

Figure 30 View from Rocket Lab Range Control at Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, NZ

Figure 31 Rocket Lab Launch Complex in Mahia, NZ

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 43

 r o c k e t l a b fac i l i t i e s

Figure 32 Rocket Lab Launch Complex in Mahia, NZ

44 AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2

 Payload processing
facility & customer area
r o c k e t l a b fac i l i t i e s

The Payload Processing Facility at LC-1 includes dual Customer spacecraft processing
areas consisting of a single airlock, dual cleanrooms and gowning rooms, and two
separate client areas adjacent to the cleanrooms. The client rooms provide the Customer
connectivity to their payload and a work area with desk space, internet connectivity, and
power outlets. See layout in Figure 33.

LAUNCH VEHICLE
HANGAR

Figure 33 The layout of the Payload Processing Facility at LC-1

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 45

 11. meet
the team
meet the team

The people democratizing

access to space

46 AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2

 the rocket lab team
Meet the dedicated and innovative people behind Electron. Our team is driven to broaden
the horizons of what’s already possible in space and we’re inspired by the possibilities not yet
imagined. With almost 300 people spread across Huntington Beach, Auckland, and Māhia,
the Rocket Lab team is empowering humanity by opening access to space.
MEET THE TEAM

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 47

 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Electron Launch Vehicle Configuration...............................................................4

Figure 2 First Stage Rutherford Engine.............................................................................6
Figure 3 Rutherford Stage 1 Configuration......................................................................6
Figure 4 Rocket Lab's Kick Stage being intergrated with the fairing.................................8
Figure 5 Rocket Lab's Kick Stage......................................................................................9
Figure 6 Rocket
 Lab Avionics......................................................................................... 11
Figure 7 Sample configuration inside of the fairing......................................................... 13
Figure 8 Rocket Lab payload plate................................................................................. 14
Figure 9 Rocket Lab payload plate, payload configuration for NASA ELANA mission..... 15
Figure 10 PAS 381S separation system........................................................................... 16
Figure 11 Electron Load Factors..................................................................................... 19
Figure 12 Electron Shock MPE....................................................................................... 20
Figure 13 Payload Fairing Acoustic Environment............................................................ 21
Figure 14 Current MPE based on mission analysis and flight data................................... 22
Figure 15 Electrons fairing compartment pressure and depressurization rates............... 23
Figure 16 Performance to Circular Sun-Synchronous Orbit.............................................26
Figure 17 Performance to a 180 km Perigee at 39° Inclination Elliptical Orbit................. 27
Figure 18 Example of an Electron flight profile...............................................................29
Figure 19 Rocket Lab’s Maxwell Dispensers................................................................... 31
Figure 20 Rocket Lab's Payload Processing Facilities...................................................... 35
Figure 21 Example of a standard payload processing schedule....................................... 36
Figure 22 Rocket Lab's USA Headquarters..................................................................... 39
Figure 23 Rocket Lab's Huntington Beach production warehouse.................................. 39
Figure 24 Rocket Lab's Huntington Beach Payload Processing Facility layout................40
Figure 25 Rocket Lab's Huntington Beach Payload Processing Facility...........................40
Figure 26 Rocket Lab's Mission Control in Auckland....................................................... 41
Figure 27 Rocket Lab's engine test cell in Auckland........................................................ 41
Figure 28 New Zealand and its Global Location..............................................................42
Figure 29 Launch Site Layout.........................................................................................42
Figure 30 View from Rocket Lab Range Control at Launch Complex 1 in Mahia............... 43
Figure 31 Rocket Lab Launch Complex in Mahia, NZ...................................................... 43
Figure 32 Rocket Lab Launch Complex in Mahia, NZ......................................................44
Figure 33 The layout of the Payload Processing Facility at LC-1...................................... 45

48 AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2

 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

L I S T O F TA B L E S

Table 1 Electron fairing specifications............................................................................ 13

Table 2 Electron Load Factors........................................................................................ 19
Table 3 Electron Shock MPE........................................................................................... 20
Table 4 Recommended Test Environment...................................................................... 22
Table 5 The worst case radiated emissions at the time of payload activation.................. 23
Table 6 Performance to circular Sun-Synchronous Ortbit...............................................26
Table 7 Performance to a 180 km Perigee at 39° Inclination Elliptical Orbit..................... 27
Table 8 Orbit Injection Accuracy.....................................................................................28
Table 9 Deployment Margins.........................................................................................28
Table 10 Example of a standard Integration Schedule.................................................... 34

L I S T O F Ac r o n ym s

CAA Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand

CLA Coupled Loads Analysis
DARPA Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency
EMC Electromagnetic Capability
FTS Flight Termination System
GN2 Gaseous Nitrogen
GNC Guidance, Navigation and Control
GPS Global Positioning System
GSE Ground Support Equipment
HIL Hardware In the Loop
IMU Inertial Measurement Unit
LOx Liquid Oxygen
LV Launch Vehicle
MDR Mission Dress Rehearsal
ONRG US Office of Naval Research Global
ORS Operationally Responsive Space
TVC Thrust Vector Control
UHF Ultra-High Frequency

AUGUST 2018 | VERSION 6.2 49

CONTACT US
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and further information.

rocketlabusa.com
@rocketlab
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© Rocket Lab USA 2018