Press Releases July 30, 2026 06:00 AM

Rocket Lab Secures Multi-Launch Deal with iQPS for Three Dedicated Missions

Rocket Lab signs multi-launch contract with iQPS for three dedicated Electron missions to expand Earth-imaging satellite constellation.

By Derek Hwang
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Rocket Lab Corporation has secured a multi-launch contract with Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS) for three dedicated Electron rocket launches scheduled for late 2027. This deal marks the third multi-launch agreement with iQPS within a year, totaling 18 launches and reinforcing Electron's position as a leading small-lift launch vehicle. The missions will deploy QPS-SAR satellites for iQPS's Earth-imaging constellation using synthetic aperture radar technology, ensuring capability under all weather conditions. The contract includes Rocket Lab's Motorized Lightband satellite separation system, reducing scheduling risks and improving operational efficiency.

Rocket Lab Secures Multi-Launch Deal with iQPS for Three Dedicated Missions
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Key Points

  • Rocket Lab secures multi-launch contract to deploy three QPS-SAR Earth-imaging satellites for iQPS, scheduled for late 2027.
  • The multi-launch deal increases iQPS's total Electron launches to 18, underscoring Electron rocket’s status in small satellite launch market.
  • Inclusion of Rocket Lab’s Motorized Lightband technology streamlines satellite deployment and reduces scheduling risks.
  • Sectors impacted include aerospace, defense, satellite communications, and Earth observation technology.

LONG BEACH, Calif., July 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced that a multi-launch deal has been signed with Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc (“iQPS”) for three new dedicated launches on Electron.

This contract is the third multi-launch booking on Electron by iQPS announced in less than a year – bringing the total number of launches booked to 18 and further solidifying Electron’s position as the world’s most sought-after small-lift launch vehicle.

These three new dedicated launches for iQPS are scheduled to take place from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 from late 2027. Each mission will deploy a single QPS-SAR satellite to a 575km low Earth orbit that will continue the build out of iQPS’ Earth-imaging constellation using synthetic aperture radar: a technology that enables images to be created from radio wave measurements and allows data to be collected during any time of day and under any weather conditions.

Rocket Lab’s own satellite separation system called the Motorized Lightband has also been purchased for all iQPS missions, streamlining the company’s access to space with reduced scheduling risk.

Placing satellites within a constellation already on orbit is exactly the challenge Electron was created to solve. As iQPS’ primary launch provider, Electron has deployed seven QPS-SAR satellites to space with 100% mission success since 2023, each time with the reliability and precision that satellite operators have come to expect from Electron. This latest deal provides iQPS with the security of regular launch slots for their constellation as demand for Electron launches reaches record heights.

Rocket Lab Images and Videos: www.flickr.com/photos/rocketlab/

Rocket Lab Media Contact
Murielle Baker
[email protected]

About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) is an end-to-end space company delivering rockets, satellites, and spacecraft components for commercial, government, and defense missions. Driven by its industry-leading small-lift rockets Electron and HASTE and its upcoming reusable Neutron medium-lift rocket, Rocket Lab delivers reliable and responsive launch for the world’s most important missions from constellation deployment to missile defense. Rocket Lab’s satellites and components have powered more than 1,700 missions in Earth orbit, as well as deep-space exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Learn more at www.rocketlabcorp.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding our launch and space systems operations, launch schedule and window, safe and repeatable access to space, Neutron development, operational expansion and business strategy are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “plan,” “target,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the factors, risks and uncertainties included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Relations section of our website at www.rocketlabcorp.com, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. 


Risks

  • Reliance on future launch schedules and windows that could be affected by technical or regulatory delays impacting timely deployment of iQPS satellites.
  • Potential competition from other small satellite launch providers could affect Rocket Lab's market share and pricing power.
  • Forward-looking statements indicate uncertainties related to Rocket Lab’s ongoing development of new launch vehicles and operational expansion that might impact execution.

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