Electron | The Cosmos Will See You Now (Open Cosmos Constellation Launch 1)
Electron •
📝 Mission Description
Electron Rocket Set to Launch Open Cosmos' Pioneering Broadband Satellites
On March 31, 2026, Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is scheduled to lift off from its launch site in New Zealand, carrying the first two satellites of UK-based Open Cosmos' ambitious low-Earth orbit (LEO) broadband constellation. This mission, dubbed Open Cosmos Constellation Launch 1, marks a significant step in establishing a secure and resilient connectivity network for Europe and beyond. By leveraging high-priority Ka-band spectrum filings secured through the Principality of Liechtenstein, the constellation aims to deliver independent broadband services that prioritize data sovereignty and reliability in an increasingly crowded orbital landscape.
The primary objectives of this mission center on deploying satellites that form the backbone of a global broadband system. Open Cosmos, a company specializing in satellite manufacturing and data services, has designed these spacecraft to provide high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity. Each satellite weighs approximately 150 kilograms and is equipped with advanced Ka-band transponders capable of handling data rates up to several gigabits per second. The payload's capabilities extend beyond basic broadband; they include encrypted communications channels tailored for government, military, and enterprise users, ensuring resilience against disruptions like cyberattacks or geopolitical tensions. This focus on security addresses vulnerabilities seen in existing networks, where reliance on foreign infrastructure can pose risks. By starting with these two pathfinder satellites, Open Cosmos plans to validate orbital performance, spectrum usage, and inter-satellite linking before scaling to a full constellation of potentially hundreds of units.
At the heart of the launch is Rocket Lab's Electron rocket, a lightweight, two-stage vehicle optimized for small satellite deployments. Standing 18 meters tall with a diameter of 1.2 meters, Electron is powered by Rutherford engines—nine in the first stage and one vacuum-optimized version in the second. These engines use electric pumps to feed liquid oxygen and kerosene propellants, a design choice that reduces complexity and cost compared to traditional turbopump systems. With a payload capacity of up to 300 kilograms to low-Earth orbit, Electron fills a niche for affordable, dedicated launches of smallsats, avoiding the ride-sharing constraints of larger rockets. Recent upgrades, including reusable components like the first-stage recovery system tested in prior missions, enhance its efficiency and sustainability.
Electron's performance history reflects both innovation and the challenges of small-launch development. Since its inaugural flight in 2017, Rocket Lab has conducted over 40 missions by early 2024, achieving a success rate above 90% after
ℹ️ Official Details
First 2 satellites (named MR-1 and MR-2) of UK-based Open Cosmos' secure LEO broadband constellation designed to provide independent and resilient connectivity infrastructure for Europe and the world, using high-priority Ka-band spectrum filings by the Principality of Liechtenstein.
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
The Electron mission "The Cosmos Will See You Now," launched on January 22, 2026, achieved a successful orbital insertion and payload deployment, marking a significant milestone for Open Cosmos. The rocket performed flawlessly, delivering the first two satellites of a secure LEO broadband constellation into their designated orbits. These satellites, utilizing high-priority Ka-band spectrum filings by the Principality of Liechtenstein, are designed to provide resilient connectivity infrastructure for Europe and beyond. Key engineering outcomes include precise trajectory control and robust payload separation, validating Electron's reliability for small satellite launches. This success paves the way for subsequent constellation deployments, reinforcing confidence in the rocket's capabilities for future missions. Additionally, it highlights the growing importance of secure, independent broadband networks, positioning Open Cosmos as a key player in global connectivity and setting a strong foundation for scaling the constellation in upcoming launches.