RLFL14 (46268)

COSPAR: 2020-060A | Alt Name: First Light
DECAYED

Image
RLFL14 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

August 31, 2020

Launch Site

RLLB

Launch Pad

LC1A

Launch Vehicle

Electron

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46268

International Designator

2020-060A

Decay Date

1/19/2025

Basic Satellite Info

Name

RLFL14

Alternative Name

First Light

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

RLABN

Country

New Zealand

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The RLFL14 satellite, also known as First Light, is a technology demonstration satellite manufactured by Rocket Lab USA (RLABN) and launched on August 31, 2020, from the Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1A (RLLB LC1A) using an Electron launch vehicle. The spacecraft has a shape of a truncated cone with dimensions of 0.5 meters in length, 1.2 meters in diameter and span. It carries a payload called Photon equipped with a video camera for capturing images. The satellite's dry mass is 20 kilograms, which was also its launch mass. Its power source includes solar cells and batteries. The mission purpose focuses on technology demonstration.
Physical Characteristics

Length

0.5

Diameter

1.2

Span

1.2

Dry Mass

20

Launch Mass

20

Shape

Trunc cone

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Photon

Purpose

Technology

Mission

Technology

Manufacturer

RLABN

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Photon

Configuration

Photon-LEO

Motor

Curie

Equipment

Video camera

Power System

Solar cells, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

X Report 6 Nov 2025

X Report 6 Nov 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink satellites, marking the start of a busy month for their satellite deployment efforts. The mission is part of an ongoing expansion of their broadband internet constellation.

X Report 27 Oct 2025

X Report 27 Oct 2025

SpaceX achieves a significant milestone with over 10,000 satellites launched, the West Coast welcomes Falcon Heavy launches, and developments around Artemis 3 prompt competitive discourse.

Dragon Delivers 6,500 lbs to ISS; Zenk Space Eyes June Orbital Debut | KeepTrack Space Brief

Dragon Delivers 6,500 lbs to ISS; Zenk Space Eyes June Orbital Debut | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX Dragon berthed ISS with 6,500 pounds of cargo May 17. China's Zenk Space raised $26M, targeting June for Zhihang-1 rocket's orbital debut.

Space Brief 25 May 2025

Space Brief 25 May 2025

Today's brief covers crucial developments in satellite technology and operations, including new Starlink launches, groundbreaking satellite data on flood waves, and pivotal changes in South African telecom policy driven by Starlink.

X Report 7 Jun 2025

X Report 7 Jun 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the SXM-10 satellite for SiriusXM and prepares for the Ax-4 mission to the ISS amid political tensions involving Elon Musk and President Trump.

Space Brief 2 Feb 2025

Space Brief 2 Feb 2025

Today's highlights include new satellite launches by SpaceX, technical hiccups for an Indian navigation satellite, and insights into the future of satellite servicing.

X Report 4 Feb 2025

X Report 4 Feb 2025

Canada reconsiders Starlink contract amidst US tariff delays, and new concerns arise over falling space debris.

X Report 13 Jul 2025

X Report 13 Jul 2025

SpaceX successfully launched an Israeli satellite and remains on track for its upcoming Crew-11 mission while continuing to engage in mystery satellite launches.