Photon is a satellite bus based on Rocket Lab's Electron kick stage. [1] It moves satellites into their appropriate orbits once boosted by rockets such as Electron. It is customizable for uses including LEO payload hosting, [ 2 ] lunar flybys, and interplanetary missions.

The original Rocket Lab spacecraft, Photon is our integrated launch-plus-spacecraft solution. Photon is a modified Electron Kick Stage with power, propulsion, and communications to deliver a capable low Earth orbit (LEO) platform that serves civil, defense and commercial customers across a range of missions.

This action marked the first on-orbit demonstration of Rocket Lab’s Photon satellite as a two-in-one spacecraft, first using it to complete its conventional launch vehicle function to deploy customer satellites, then transitioning into a satellite to continue a standalone mission.

The Photon onboard this mission is the latest configuration of Rocket Lab’s in-house satellite platform built for operations in low Earth orbit, deep space, and on interplanetary missions. This mission follows the successful launch and deployment of Rocket Lab’s first Photon satellite fewer than six months ago on the I Can’t Believe It ...

Jan 23, 2023 · WASHINGTON — Rocket Lab announced Sept. 3 that it has placed its first Photon satellite into orbit, demonstrating the spacecraft’s technologies and the company’s ability to provide end-to-end...

Sep 3, 2020 · Rocket Lab’s Photon satellite program is accelerating innovation on orbit by delivering a bundled launch + satellite solution, freeing customers to dedicate their time and resources on...

Oct 21, 2019 · Rocket Lab will combine its Electron launch vehicle, Photon small spacecraft platform, and a dedicated bulk maneuver stage to accomplish extended-range missions and deliver small spacecraft to...

Oct 21, 2019 · Rocket Lab plans to launch small spacecraft to the moon and beyond using its new Photon satellite platform, Electron rockets and a bulk maneuvering stage. The first Photon vehicle could fly in...

Sep 3, 2020 · Rocket Lab now has a spacecraft in Earth orbit — the first of its Photon satellite line, which is designed to tote customer payloads to a variety of destinations, including the moon and Venus.

Apr 12, 2019 · At a press conference at #35SS, Rocket Lab’s Peter Beck is announcing Photon, a satellite bus based on the Electron rocket’s kick stage. Customers “need only bring their payload or idea,” and...