Rocket Lab Wins Key New Middle East Launch Customer

Rocket Lab’s Electron Rocket Photo: Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab has won a key new launch contract with a customer in the Middle East. The company has signed an agreement with Circle Aerospace for ten dedicated Electron launches, with the first launch scheduled to lift off in Q4 2019. Headquartered in Dubai, Circle Aerospace is a new turnkey launch brokerage and satellite development company serving to catalyze the growth of a commercial space and small satellite industry across the United Arab Emirates and wider Gulf Cooperation Council nations (GCC). Circle Aerospace offers full-spectrum, bespoke orbital solutions, including the design, build, and launch of payloads for customers worldwide.

The payloads on these missions, as per all Electron missions launched from New Zealand, will undergo a payload approval process with the New Zealand and US governments.

Mohammed Al Saif, President and CEO of Circle Aerospace said “We’re proud to partner with Rocket Lab to provide the region with frequent and dedicated access to orbit, as well as satellite build solutions. We’re in an exciting era for small satellites that will see significant developments in innovation, research, education and exploration in the very near future. Circle Aerospace is in a strong position to support the local market in achieving this.”