Rocket Lab Launches 96th Electron Mission Successfully

MAHIA, New Zealand, Sept. 19, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Rocket Lab has successfully launched its 96th Electron mission, sending the 12th StriX satellite into a precise 572km low Earth orbit for Synspective, a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) company. The launch took place at 3:22pm NZST on September 19, 2026, from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. This mission marks a significant milestone for the company, underscoring its operational excellence and reliability.

The launch is part of a broader partnership between Rocket Lab and Synspective, which has seen the delivery of 12 satellites into orbit to date. This mission is also noteworthy as it is Rocket Lab’s 17th launch of 2026, further cementing its position as a leader in the global commercial small-lift launch sector. The company’s 100% mission success record across its multi-year launch partnership with Synspective is a testament to its operational capabilities and commitment to precision and reliability.

Rocket Lab’s Kick Stage placed the StriX satellite into its intended orbit with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring that the satellite can immediately integrate into Synspective’s Earth-monitoring constellation. This precision is crucial for maximizing the satellite’s on-orbit lifetime and ensuring efficient operations within the constellation.

Looking ahead, Rocket Lab has 15 additional dedicated Electron missions manifested through the end of the decade, aimed at completing Synspective’s commercial SAR constellation. The company has powered more than 1,700 missions in Earth orbit, showcasing its extensive experience and expertise in space operations.

Rocket Lab’s continued success in launching satellites is a result of its commitment to innovation and reliability. The company’s small-lift rockets, satellites, and spacecraft components have been at the forefront of commercial, government, and defense missions, contributing significantly to the advancement of space technology.

In line with the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Rocket Lab notes that forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the statements. These factors are detailed in Rocket Lab’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, which is accessible on the SEC’s website and Rocket Lab’s own investor relations section.