Rocket Lab Launches Three Signals Intelligence Satellites Into Orbit

Rocket Lab has launched three satellites designed to gather signals intelligence into orbit aboard its Electron rocket.

The mission lifted off from the company’s launch site in New Zealand, carrying the specialised satellites into space.

Signals intelligence involves collecting and analysing electronic signals to obtain information. The satellites were launched specifically for that purpose, rather than for conventional Earth-imaging work.

The supplied mission details did not identify the satellites’ operator or specify their orbital parameters. They also did not outline the particular signals the spacecraft will monitor.