active New Space · USA/NZ
Electron
Rocket Lab · operator profile
3D-printed Rutherford engines, electric-pump-fed. The most-launched small orbital rocket. Rocket Lab recovers and refurbishes first stages. 80th flight in 2026.
Specifications
Height
18 m
Diameter
1.2 m
Payload to LEO
0.3 t
Payload to GTO
0 t
Thrust at liftoff
192 kN
Stages
2
Reusable
No
First flight
2017
Propellant
Kerosene/LOX
Frequently asked about Electron
- When did Electron first fly?
- Electron had its first flight in 2017, operated by Rocket Lab. Current status: active.
- What's the payload capacity of Electron?
- Electron can lift up to 0.3 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- How tall is Electron?
- Electron stands 18 metres tall with a diameter of 1.2 metres. Total thrust at liftoff: 192 kN across 2 stages.
- Is Electron reusable?
- No, Electron is expendable — boosters and upper stages are not recovered for reflight.