The Electron rocket experienced unexpected stress during Max-Q causing a total loss of the rocket and all seven payloads, including Earth-imaging satellites by Canon and Planet, that were on board.
The California-based aerospace manufacturer Rocket Lab launched the Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1 on the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand. Dubbed ‚Pics or It Didn’t Happen’, the mission saw the Electron rocket carry seven small satellites, including those from Planet and Canon. The latter was also the primary payload provider.
However, late into the mission, Electron ran into a critical problem that resulted in mission failure, and subsequently, the loss of all seven payloads on board.
