Rocket Lab successfully launches 98th Electron mission

Rocket Lab successfully completed its 98th Electron mission, launching three HawkEye 360 satellites into a 520km low Earth orbit from New Zealand. This mission marks the company's 19th successful launch of 2026 and its third dedicated deployment for HawkEye 360, a signals intelligence company.

While the Electron mission demonstrates operational consistency, the company faces delays with its larger Neutron rocket program. The inaugural Neutron launch has been rescheduled from 2026 to 2027 due to manufacturing defects identified in the fuel tank's forward dome. Rocket Lab intends to rebuild the component and conduct further testing to address these technical challenges.