Rocket Lab Electron 5
 'Two Thumbs Up'
DARPA R3D2
Launch
2019

Offering a cover serviced for Rocket Lab Electron 5 launch of the 'Two Thumbs Up' DARPA R3D2 mission, Rocket Lab HQ, Canceled Hawthorne CA 28-March-2019.

The DARPA R3D2 mission was Rocket Lab’s fifth mission and the company’s first launch of 2019.

The mission launched the R3D2 (Radio Frequency Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration) payload for DARPA. R3D2 was a prototype reflect array antenna designed to improve radio communications in small spacecraft.

The R3D2 antenna, made of a tissue-thin Kapton membrane, packed tightly inside a small satellite for stowage during launch, before deploying to its full size of 2.25 meters in diameter once it reached low Earth orbit. By compacting a large antenna into a small satellite, the spacecraft can provide significant capability, negating the need for satellite owners to build large satellites that can only be launched as a ride-share payload on big rockets with significant price tags and lengthy delays.

The 150kg R3D2 satellite lifted off on an Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand’s Māhia Peninsula and was deployed to a 425kmx425km orbit at 39.5 degrees by Electron’s Kick Stage, a nimble upper stage designed to insert payloads with precise accuracy before deorbiting itself and leaving no space junk behind.

For U.S. Buyers:

Your item(s) will be sent by USPS eBay Mail which HAS an eBay Tracking Number issued by eBay and tracked through the USPS postal system. This provides for low-cost shipping of $1.00 (for up to 3 oz.: approx. 6 items/covers depending on size and weight).  Items exceeding that weight will be sent by USPS First Class @ approx. $4.00.

For items totaling over $20.00, the shipment will be made by USPS Ground Advantage Package which HAS a USPS Tracking Number, the cost of which (starting at $4.00) will be added to your invoice accordingly. Total cost, again, will depend on the size and weight of the items. Please contact me via eBay Message if additional information is needed.

Please do not send payment until an invoice is received reflecting the correct S&H amount.

For International Buyers:

Your item is normally sent by regular USPS First Class International Mail which DOES NOT have a Tracking Number. This provides low-cost shipping ($3.00 for up to approx. 6 items/covers, depending on size and weight).

For items totaling over $20.01, the shipment will be made by USPS International First Class Package (unless other arrangements are made, i.e. contacting the Seller), which HAS a Tracking Number, the cost of which (starting at $14.00) will be added to your invoice accordingly. 

Please do not send payment until an invoice is received reflecting the correct S&H amount.

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