Electron | LOXSAT 1
Pad: Unknown Pad · Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
LOXSAT 1 is a demonstration satellite of a complete cryogenic oxygen fluid management system in orbit, developed by Eta Space and sponsored by NASA's Tipping Point program. The system will be integrated on a Rocket Lab Photon-LEO satellite bus and collect critical cryogenic fluid management data in orbit for 9 months, demonstrating capabilities of in-space cryogenic storage and transferal. Eta Space plans to use technology developed for this mission to develop a truly commercial depot intended to serve multiple customers in the future.
Electron CAPSTONE Lunar Mission Liftoff
Photo: Rocket Lab / Yourong F. Wang
Electron | LOXSAT 1 Live Coverage
Official Webcast Feed Scheduled
Live broadcast embeds typically go live 15 to 20 minutes prior to launch window liftoff. Check the official Rocket Lab channels or Spaceflight Now for live feeds.
🛰️ Mission Orbital & Environment Matrix
- Target Orbit
- LEO
- Target Altitude
- 550 km
- Inclination
- 53.2°
- Weather Violation Risk
- 10%
- Primary Payload
- LOXSAT 1
- Launch Window
- Monday, August 31, 2026 at 12:00 AM UTC – 12:00 AM UTC
♻️ Hardware Reusability & Recovery Matrix
- Booster Core
- Flight Proven Core
- Flight Count
- Operational Flight
- Recovery Strategy
- ASDS
- Fairing Recovery
- Flight Proven
- Landing Vessel / Zone
- Designated Landing Zone
- Vehicle Architecture
- Electron Technical Specs & Flight Geometry →
⏱️ Operational Timeline Milestones & Staging Sequence
Target T-0: 2026-08-31Terminal Count
T-00:15:00Autonomous launch sequence start
Auto Sequence
T-00:03:00Flight computer assumes control
Liftoff
T-00:00:00Stage 1 main engine ignition & liftoff
MECO & Stage Sep
T+00:02:40Main engine cut-off and stage separation
Stage 1 Landing
T+00:08:30Booster touchdown on recovery vessel / zone
Payload Deploy
T+00:45:00Spacecraft insertion into target orbit
Unknown Pad
Mahia Launch Facility · Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
Rocket Lab LC-1 Mahia Peninsula Cliff
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 perched high above the South Pacific Ocean cliffs on the east coast of New Zealand.
Photo Credit: Rocket Lab / Rodney AllenLocated on the scenic cliffs of New Zealand's North Island, LC-1 is the world's only private orbital spaceport licensed to launch every 72 hours. With unobstructed ocean paths to low Earth orbit and sun-synchronous inclinations, it offers superior orbital flexibility.