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Electron fails on its 20th flight after a second-stage engine problem; payload lost
Rocket Lab's 20th Electron flight, 'Running Out Of Toes', failed on May 15, 2021 when the second-stage engine computer detected a problem shortly after ignition and shut the engine down. The mission lost two BlackSky imaging satellites, but the first stage was recovered from the ocean after a parachute splashdown.
- Mission 'Running Out Of Toes', 20th Electron flight, 15 May 2021; engine computer detected off-nominal flight conditions after stage 2 ignition and performed safe shutdown.
- Lost two BlackSky satellites; first stage recovered from ocean under parachute—second booster recovery attempt following November 2020 'Return to Sender' success.
- Rocket Lab replicated failure in ground testing, identified multiple-condition sequence required to trigger; undertook corrective actions for return to flight.