NZSA Venus Mission

NZSA Venus Mission

Electron TBD - 2026 06:00AM

Launch Countdown Time

Ready to Launch Countdown Time. Please wait...

NZSA Venus Mission is a small direct Venus entry probe with a single 1 kg low-mass, low-cost autofluorescing nephelometer riding on a satellite bus based on the Photon Upper stage of the Electron rocket.

Last updated: Jan 17, 2025

Launch Information

Launch Information

Launch Vehicle Details

Mission NameNZSA Venus Mission
Launch SitePad TBD, Rocket Lab Launch Complex, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
Launch VehicleElectron
AgencyRocket Lab
Launch DateTBD - 2026

The launch of Rocket Lab Electron is scheduled for Jan 2026, the rocket will launch the NZSA Venus mission mission. The launch site is currently Mahia Peninsula, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. The payload will be deployed in a Other orbit. It is also called the Venus Life Finder, the probe will be sent to detect the presence of organic compounds in droplets in the clouds.

Launch Vehicle - Electron

Payload To LEOOriginal: 225 Kg (496 lb) Updated: 300 Kg (660 lb)
Payload To SSOOriginal: 150 Kg (330 lb) Updated: 200 Kg (440 lb)
PropellantRP-1/LOX
Payload Capacity150–225 Kg (331–496 lb)
Height18 m (59 ft)
Diameter1.2 m (3 ft 11 in)
Mass12.5 t (28000 lb)
Stages2–3