Press Releases September 11, 2026 12:43 AM

Rocket Lab Successfully Launches 16th Electron Mission Of The Year, Solidifies Status as World’s Leading Small Launch Provider

Rocket Lab Launches 16th Electron Rocket in 2026, Reinforcing Leadership in Small Satellite Launches

By Maya Rios
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Rocket Lab Corporation successfully launched its 16th Electron rocket mission of 2026 from New Zealand, deploying an Earth observation satellite into low Earth orbit. This marks the company's 95th overall launch, showcasing its reliable, frequent launch schedule amid growing market demand. The company continues to expand its commercial and government space operations, with plans for upcoming launches and development of its medium-lift reusable Neutron rocket.

Rocket Lab Successfully Launches 16th Electron Mission Of The Year, Solidifies Status as World’s Leading Small Launch Provider
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Key Points

  • Rocket Lab completed its 16th Electron launch of the year, underscoring strong operational cadence and market demand for small satellite launches.
  • The successful deployment enhances Rocket Lab's position as a leading small launch provider with a total of 95 launches to date.
  • The company emphasizes its upcoming launches and development of the reusable medium-lift Neutron rocket, expanding its launch capabilities beyond small satellites.

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Sept. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today launched its 16th Electron rocket of the year with a dedicated mission for a confidential customer.

The “Happily Ever Faster” mission lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 3:28 p.m. NZST on 11 September and successfully deployed a single Earth observation satellite to a 500km circular low Earth orbit.

“Happily Ever Faster” is Rocket Lab’s 16th launch of the year and 95th launch overall. Rocket Lab’s next Electron launch is scheduled to take place from Launch Complex 1 for another commercial constellation operator before the end of the month. As global launch availability continues to strain the market, Electron’s regular and reliable launch cadence provides schedule certainty and dedicated access to space for satellite operators of the industry’s next-generation constellations.

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 https://investors.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

  • Forward-looking statements indicate potential risks from delays or difficulties in launch schedules or the development of new technology like the Neutron rocket.
  • Dependency on global launch market demand and competition in the space launch sector may affect future performance.
  • Regulatory and operational risks inherent in space mission success and satellite deployments could impact company results.

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