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