Mission Success: Rocket Lab Completes 9th Electron Launch for Synspective

MAHIA, New Zealand, May 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced the successful deployment of the latest satellite for Synspective, marking the ninth dedicated mission Rocket Lab has completed for the Japan-based Earth observation constellation. This launch further strengthens one of the most consistent commercial launch partnerships in the small satellite sector and highlights Electron's industry-leading dedicated launch service.

The “Viva La StriX” mission launched on Electron from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 9:33 p.m. NZST on May 22, 2026 to a 572km low Earth orbit. Rocket Lab’s deployment of the ninth StriX satellite expands Synspective’s synthetic aperture radar (SAR) constellation delivering high-resolution Earth observation data globally. As part of its dedicated launch service, Rocket Lab also supplied Synspective with a custom Electron rocket fairing for the launch that was tailored to the StriX satellite’s dimensions. The customisation is a unique feature of Rocket Lab and Synspective’s partnership that helps to ensure Electron’s ongoing 100% mission success rate for StriX satellite deployments.

Today’s mission brings Rocket Lab’s total launch count to 88 and reinforces Electron as the premier small launch provider globally. With another 18 launches for Synspective booked on Electron, Rocket Lab remains the company’s sole launch provider and trusted partner in enabling rapid, repeatable access to space.

Launch images and video: F88 | Viva La StriX | Flickr

Launch webcast: Rocket Lab - 'Viva La StriX' Launch - YouTube

Rocket Lab Media Contact
Murielle Baker
media@rocketlabusa.com

About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is a leading space company that provides launch services, spacecraft, payloads and satellite components serving commercial, government, and national security markets. Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket; its HASTE rocket provides hypersonic test launch capability for the U.S. government and allied nations; and its Neutron launch vehicle in development will unlock medium launch for constellation deployment, national security and exploration missions. Rocket Lab’s spacecraft and satellite components have enabled more than 1,700 missions spanning commercial, defense and national security missions including GPS, constellations, and exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, and Venus. Rocket Lab is a publicly listed company on the Nasdaq stock exchange (RKLB). Learn more at www.rocketlabcorp.com.

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