Rocket Lab USA (NASDAQ:RKLB) successfully launched its 42nd Electron rocket on Friday and deployed a satellite for Japan-based Earth imaging company the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space.
The mission, named “The Moon God Awakens”, launched from Pad B at Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. The satellite joined another iQPS satellite already in orbit and forms part of what will eventually be a 36-satellite constellation capable of monitoring Earth at specific fixed points every 10 minutes. The mission went from contract signing to successful launch in just eight months, which the company said demonstrates its ability to provide tailored, dedicated launches on rapid timelines.
The Rocket Lab (RKLB) mission set a record for being the 10th Electron launch of the year to surpass the company’s previous annual record of nine launches in 2022. For the fifth year in a row, Electron has retained the title of second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually.
Shares of Rocket Lab (RKLB) jumped 10% in premarket trading on Friday to trade at their highest level of the last three months.
