LONG BEACH, Calif., Nov. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced that its 100th Electron rocket is scheduled for launch at the end of this week. The launch will be a historic moment for the the global space industry, setting a new record for reaching 100 launches faster than any other commercially developed launch vehicle.
The mission, named “The Mountain God Rises”, is scheduled for lift off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, to deploy a single Earth-imaging satellite to orbit for Japanese company the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS).
Lift-off is currently scheduled for November 14 at 6:30 p.m. New Zealand Daylight Time. The mission will be broadcast live at www.youtube.com/@RocketLabCorp with coverage beginning at around 5:30 pm NZDT.
Since its first launch in 2017, Electron has become one of the world’s most frequently launched rockets and has redefined access to space for small satellites. Electron has achieved a string of world-firsts and industry-leading achievements along the way including:
- The first carbon composite orbital launch vehicle.
- Powered by the first 3D-printed orbital rocket engine, Rutherford, which is also the first rocket engine to use electric fuel pumps instead of traditional gas turbines.
- Launched from two hemispheres. Rocket Lab operates launch pads in Virginia, USA, as well as New Zealand, where the company built the world’s first private orbital launch complex.
- Achieved a new responsive space record earlier this year when Electron was launched with just 16 hours and 42 minutes notice for the U.S. Space Force.
- On track to be the world’s first commercial small-lift orbital rocket to reach 100 launches.
Follow Rocket Lab on X (@RocketLab) and other social channels for real-time mission updates.
Interviews available on request as schedules allow.
Rocket Lab Media Contact
Murielle Baker
media@rocketlabusa.com
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.
