In a recent mission that left many curious, Rocket Lab launched a secret satellite for a confidential commercial customer. The launch took place on November 20, 2025, marking another significant achievement for the company. As one of the leading players in small satellite launches, Rocket Lab continues to push boundaries, providing insight into the ever-expanding world of private space exploration.

Record-Breaking Success: Rocket Lab’s 18th Launch of the Year

Rocket Lab is having a standout year in 2025, with the “Follow My Speed” mission serving as the company’s 18th successful launch. According to the company,

“Today’s ‘Follow My Speed’ mission marks 18 launches with 100% mission success for 2025 — more than any other year in Electron’s history — making our rocket the most frequently flown orbital small launch vehicle in the world.”

This is an incredible achievement for Rocket Lab, underscoring the company’s reliability and consistency in the space industry. Their Electron rocket, a small but mighty vehicle, has now become a symbol of efficiency and high cadence, with more launches conducted this year than ever before.

This achievement is particularly significant in the context of space exploration, where the race for frequent, cost-effective launches is accelerating. With its small, agile rockets, Rocket Lab is offering tailored solutions for a variety of clients, from commercial companies to government agencies. The company has found success by focusing on rapid, frequent launches—an area that many larger space organizations find challenging to compete in. Space.com reports that the company’s ability to execute so many successful missions in one year is largely due to its strategic use of launch sites and its refined approach to orbital missions.

Today’s ‘Follow My Speed’ mission marks 18 launches with 100% mission success for 2025 – more than any other year in Electron’s history – making our rocket the most frequently flown orbital small launch vehicle in the world.

Here’s how we do it:
🚀 High cadence launch sites
🏭… pic.twitter.com/jPzhcLITkV

— Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) November 20, 2025

The “Follow My Speed” Mission: Keeping Things Under Wraps

Despite the high-profile success of the mission, details surrounding the “Follow My Speed” satellite remain a mystery. Rocket Lab has been notoriously tight-lipped about the specifics, offering only vague statements about the mission’s objectives. The company confirmed that the goal was “to deploy a single satellite for a confidential commercial customer,” but little else is known about the nature of the satellite or its purpose. This secrecy is not unusual, as many space companies, including Rocket Lab, regularly work on missions involving national security or proprietary technologies.

For Rocket Lab, maintaining confidentiality is essential when dealing with sensitive payloads. The company has previously launched satellites for clients with classified requirements, and this mission follows a similar pattern. For instance, just three months ago, Rocket Lab completed another mission for a confidential customer, continuing its reputation for handling high-security projects. The company’s ability to cater to these kinds of missions, while keeping key details under wraps, has been a key factor in its growing client base.

Rocket Lab’s Growing Role in the Space Industry

The “Follow My Speed” mission also highlights Rocket Lab’s growing influence in the commercial space sector. While other companies focus on larger, more complex missions, Rocket Lab has carved out a niche in providing quick, small-scale launches. Their Electron rocket is perfect for deploying smaller satellites into low Earth orbit, and this capability is increasingly in demand as more companies and governments look to leverage satellite technology for a wide range of purposes—from communications to Earth observation.

One of the reasons Rocket Lab has been so successful is its ability to offer flexibility and rapid turnaround times. By conducting numerous launches in such a short period, Rocket Lab is proving that it can meet the growing demand for small, agile rockets that can carry lightweight payloads. The company’s emphasis on quick, efficient launches positions it as a key player in the future of space exploration, particularly as more companies look to tap into the commercial space market.