Rocket Lab has called off August 6 attempt to launch its 40th Electron rocket due to “out-of-family sensor data”, Report informs referring to Spaceflightnow.
Electron’s payload, Acadia 1, is the first of four new radar-imaging satellites for Earth observation company, Capella Space. The mission is named “We Love the Nightlife” for the satellite’s ability to make observations day and night.
These Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Earth-imaging satellites are the third generation of satellites for Capella Space. The company said this next generation is designed to “expand the existing Capella constellation to provide highest quality imagery, best ground-range resolution, and the fastest order-to-delivery speeds available from any commercial SAR provider.”
The previous launch attempt on July 30 was aborted after engine ignition just moments before liftoff. Rocket Lab founder and Chief Executive Peter Beck said one of the automatic abort was triggered when one of Electron’s nine Rutherford engines reported a low igniter pressure.