Update: April 24, 8:33 a.m.
ET: Rocket Labs Electron blasted off at 6:32 p.m.
ET on April 23, successfully delivering both payloads to low Earth orbit.
An artist’s depiction of the Solar Sail System spacecraft in orbit.Illustration: NASA/Aero Animation/Ben Schweighart
The short delay was on account of issues with ground equipment.
Once unfurled, the solar sail will stretch across 30 feet (9 meters) per side.
NASA isnt the only one being experimental on this mission.
Rocket Lab is reusing an Electron booster for the first time during the upcoming launch.
The company recovered the rocket booster and is now reusing it for another flight.
Electrons upcoming launch will be a major test of the companys ability to reuse the two-stage vehicle.
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