Rocket Lab completed its 100th Electron launch on November 14, 2026, deploying the YAMATSUMI-II satellite for iQPS and claiming the record as the fastest commercially developed rocket to reach 100 launches.
Rocket Lab Corporation completed its 100th Electron launch on November 14, 2026, the company announced. The mission, named “The Mountain God Rises,” launched from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 6:30 p.m. and deployed the YAMATSUMI-II synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Earth-imaging satellite to a 575km low Earth orbit for the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS).
The company said the flight set a new record for reaching 100 launches faster than any other commercially developed rocket. This mission marked Rocket Lab’s 11th Electron launch for iQPS with 100% mission success since 2023. iQPS has booked seven more dedicated Electron launches through 2030 to complete its satellite constellation.
Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck said: “Few rockets reach 100 launches in their total operational lifetime. Not only has Electron now reached 100 launches, but it reached the milestone faster than any other commercially developed rocket. That record pace comes down to the relentless dedication of the Rocket Lab team, and I want to congratulate everyone behind Electron.”
Since its first launch in 2017, Electron has deployed hundreds of satellites for commercial constellation operators, national security agencies, and scientific institutions from launch pads in New Zealand and Virginia. Rocket Lab described Electron as the world’s first carbon-composite rocket and said the team pioneered 3D-printed rocket engines, built the world’s first carbon-composite orbital rocket, launched back-to-back from two hemispheres, and shattered responsive space records.
Electron continues to deliver access to orbit while laying the operational foundation for Rocket Lab’s next medium-lift rocket, Neutron. Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering rockets, satellites, and spacecraft components for commercial, government, and defense missions. Its small-lift rockets include Electron and HASTE, and its upcoming reusable medium-lift rocket is Neutron.
Reaching 100 launches in under a decade is a major milestone for commercial spaceflight. The company said the milestone demonstrates an unmatched launch cadence across the small-launch industry. The next 100 Electrons are already booked, according to Sir Peter Beck.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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