### Filing Overview **Filing Date**: May 17, 2021 **Type of Filing**: [[Filing Definitions#Form 425|Form 425]] **Filing Purpose**: Press Release on Electron Mission Anomaly and First Stage Recovery --- ### Notes - **Electron Mission Update**: - On **May 15, 2021**, Rocket Lab’s **20th Electron mission** experienced an anomaly during the second-stage ignition, leading to the loss of the mission’s payload for **BlackSky**. - Preliminary analysis indicates an engine computer detected an issue and performed a safe shutdown. - Despite the anomaly, the vehicle remained within safety limits, and the first stage performed nominally. - **Recovery Milestones**: - The mission marked a significant step in Rocket Lab’s **reusability program**, with the first stage successfully splashing down under parachutes and being retrieved for analysis. - The new heat shield successfully protected the stage during reentry, and recovered components are suitable for reuse in future missions. - **CEO Statement**: - **Peter Beck**, CEO of Rocket Lab, expressed regret over the payload loss but reaffirmed confidence in a swift return to flight. He emphasized the continued progress in recovery and reusability efforts. - **Merger Progress**: - Rocket Lab and **Vector Acquisition Corporation** confidentially submitted an **S-4 Registration Statement** to the SEC on May 7, 2021. The merger is expected to facilitate Rocket Lab’s public listing on Nasdaq as **RKLB**. --- ![[5bcbf471-55a1-4406-a669-8f15162b03d6.pdf]]