DARPA R3D2 fairing, photo courtesy Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab’s first launch of the year for DARPA, Radiofrequency Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration, or R3D2 mission is a prototype reflect array antenna designed to improve radio communications in small spacecraft, has been delayed. 

Rocket Lab is currently targeting no earlier than 22:30, Thursday 28 March UTC (11:30 am, Friday 29 March NZDT) for the next Electron mission.

The mission will lift-off from Launch Complex 1 carrying a prototype reflect array antenna designed to improve radio communications in small spacecraft. 

Launch timing: Launch attempts will only take place between 11:30 - 15:30 NZDT (22:30 - 02:30 UTC). 

Launch Complex 1 - Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand

Rocket Lab operates the world’s only private commercial orbital launch site, located on the Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand. From this site they can launch Electron 120 times per year, reaching a wide range of orbital inclinations from 39 degrees to Sun-Synchronous.