# Payload-Transporting Space Missions Rocket Lab Collaborated with the NRO for Its First 2020 Launch By Daniel Johnson | Published 2020-02-04 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocket-lab2 References: [techcrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2020/01/30/watch-rocket-labs-first-launch-of-2020-take-an-nro-payload-to-orbit/) & [rocketlabusa](https://www.rocketlabusa.com/) Rocket Lab is scheduled to hold its 11th launch, and first of the year, on February 3rd. The launch will bring cargo form the [National Reconnaissance Office](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ar-nasa-app) into orbit. The project was titled NROL-151 and was announced recently. Betty Sap, the NRO director, stated that the NRO will, “explore what the tiny rocket marketplace can provide for us.” Additionally, Lars Hoffman, the [Rocket Lab SVP](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/launch-vehicle), spoke about the new mission with the NRO, "As the industry shifts toward the disaggregation of large, geostationary spacecraft, [Electron](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-computer) enables unprecedented access to space to support a resilient layer of government small satellite infrastructure.” If the launch is successful it is possible that the two organizations could continue working together in the future. Image Credit: Rocket Lab/ National Reconnaissance Office ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 11% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Payload-transporting Space Missions:** The collaboration between Rocket Lab and the NRO highlights the trend of payload-transporting space missions. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Rocket Lab:** Rocket Lab's collaboration with the NRO presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the space launch industry. - **National Reconnaissance Office:** The NRO's exploration of the tiny rocket marketplace opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in the government small satellite infrastructure industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hypersonic Launch Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/launch-vehicle.md) - [Patrol Mission Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kleos-space.md) - [Launch Pad Transportation Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artemis-mission-2.md) - [Eco-Friendly Nano Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orbex-prime.md) - [3D-Printed Space-Exploration Rockets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/x-bow-launch-systems.md) - [Experimental Moon Landing Missions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ispace.md) - [Astronautical NFT Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/celestis-memorial.md) - [IoT-Focused Satellite Deployments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-kite.md) - [Space Exploration Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocket-launch.md)