Rocket Lab successfully launched four experimental “DiskSat” satellites for the U.S. Space Force on December 18th, marking a significant step in small spacecraft design. The launch, dubbed “Don’t Be Such a Square,” deployed the unique spacecraft from the company’s Wallops Island, Virginia launch facility at 12:03 a.m. EST.
A New Shape for Space
The DiskSats, developed by The Aerospace Corporation with NASA funding, represent a departure from the traditional cubic “cubesat” form factor. Each satellite measures approximately 40 inches in diameter but is only 1 inch thick – roughly the size of a manhole cover. This unconventional shape is intended to unlock improved performance for small satellites, providing more surface area for instruments and potentially enabling lower-altitude missions.
Why DiskSats Matter
The flat profile of DiskSats allows for continuous Earth-facing orientation, maximizing data collection opportunities. NASA officials note that this design can also reduce drag, enabling operations in very low Earth orbit (below 300 kilometers). Such low-altitude missions are crucial for detailed Earth observation but challenging for standard satellite designs. 🚀
Accelerated Deployment
Originally scheduled for April 2026, the mission was fast-tracked at the Space Force’s request, highlighting the strategic importance of this new technology. This launch brings Rocket Lab’s 2025 mission count to 20, breaking their previous annual record of 16 set in 2024. The company leverages its Electron rocket to provide dedicated orbital rides for small satellites, with additional hypersonic testing missions conducted through the HASTE platform.
This successful deployment underscores the growing demand for specialized small satellite capabilities and Rocket Lab’s role in driving innovation in space access. The DiskSat mission promises to expand the operational envelope for smaller spacecraft, potentially revolutionizing Earth observation and other critical space-based applications.
