Rocket Lab Launching DARPA Membrane Antenna Satellite

Today Rocket Labs is counting down to launch a DARPA called Radio Frequency Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration (R3D2) that will test technologies for deployable antennas. Once in orbit, R3D2 will deploy a Kapton membrane that will expand to a diameter of 2.25 meters to demonstrate the ability to small satellites to carry large deployable antennas needed to support high-bandwidth communications.

Weather is looking great for Sunday UTC. https://t.co/fK5e72ch70
— Peter Beck (@Peter_J_Beck) March 22, 2019

Following today’s launch readiness review for the DARPA #R3D2 mission, Electron is go for launch! We are currently targeting no earlier than 22:30, Sunday 24 March, UTC. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/mz3A3caJkz
— Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) March 22, 2019

Welcome to launch day! On board Electron for today’s mission is the R3D2 spacecraft for @DARPA. This innovative mission intends to space-qualify a prototype reflect array antenna to improve radio communications in small spacecraft. Stay tuned for launch updates 🚀 pic.twitter.com/xtfrOzNUDs

— Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) March 24, 2019

Rocket Lab is launching the @DARPA R3D2 mission today at 7:36pm EDT, 23:36 UTC, from the Mahia Peninsula! Watch live here: https://t.co/f9pMuPLoDr

Expect a gorgeous launch from the prettiest launch complex in the world! Pictured is ElaNa XIX. pic.twitter.com/bG8D6szrtd
— Brady Kenniston (@TheFavoritist) March 24, 2019

SOURCES – Rocket Lab, Twitter, DARPA, Youtube Written By Brian Wang

Brian Wang

Brian Wang is a prolific business-oriented writer of emerging and disruptive technologies. He is known for insightful articles that combine business and technical analysis that catches the attention of the general public and is also useful for those in the industries. He is the sole author and writer of nextbigfuture.com, the top online science blog. He is also involved in angel investing and raising funds for breakthrough technology startup companies.

He gave the recent keynote presentation at Monte Jade event with a talk entitled the Future for You. He gave an annual update on molecular nanotechnology at Singularity University on nanotechnology, gave a TEDX talk on energy, and advises USC ASTE 527 (advanced space projects program). He has been interviewed for radio, professional organizations. podcasts and corporate events. He was recently interviewed by the radio program Steel on Steel on satellites and high altitude balloons that will track all movement in many parts of the USA.

He fundraises for various high impact technology companies and has worked in computer technology, insurance, healthcare and with corporate finance.

He has substantial familiarity with a broad range of breakthrough technologies like age reversal and antiaging, quantum computers, artificial intelligence, ocean tech, agtech, nuclear fission, advanced nuclear fission, space propulsion, satellites, imaging, molecular nanotechnology, biotechnology, medicine, blockchain, crypto and many other areas.

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