Electron's 99th launch flies as the 100-launch milestone moves one step closer
From the Space digest for Nov 2, 2026
What happened: Rocket Lab launched its 99th Electron mission, "The Sea God Surveys," from LC-1A on the Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand, carrying QPS-SAR-20 (WADATSUMI-II) — Japan's 10th iQPS Earth-observation radar satellite for QPS Inc. The flight is a confirmed full success: payload deployment from Electron's Kick Stage is confirmed, Rocket Lab's tenth launch for the QPS constellation at 100% mission success, and the satellite has established contact. Rocket Lab shares closed down 5.8% at $51.50 on the trading day.
What's genuinely new: The flight outcome is settled — deployment confirmed and the satellite contacted — turning the scheduled November 2 date into a completed, successful mission.
Watch: The customer and date for Electron's 100th launch; Rocket Lab's third-quarter results, due November 9.
Links: NASASpaceflight · Space.com · Jeff Foust, retweeting Rocket Lab (X post) · Traders Union · Nov 2, 12:35 PM ET