Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ: RKLB), a global leader in launch services and space systems, has successfully completed its 98th Electron rocket launch, delivering three satellites to low Earth orbit for signals intelligence company HawkEye 360.
The mission, named “We’re Not Hawking Around,” lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, at 8:11 p.m. NZDT on October 23, 2026.
The three HAWK satellites were delivered to a 520km low Earth orbit, where they will operate in a tri-satellite formation collecting signal data across the radio frequency spectrum.
HawkEye 360’s satellite constellation supports a range of critical applications, including maritime tracking, GNSS jamming detection, radar monitoring, communications mapping, and space defense operations.
This marks the third dedicated Electron launch carried out for HawkEye 360, reinforcing Rocket Lab’s role as a trusted partner in scaling commercial RF-sensing constellations.
The mission also represents Rocket Lab’s 19th successful launch in 2026 alone, reflecting the company’s ability to sustain a high-tempo launch cadence demanded by both commercial and defense customers.
Rocket Lab describes Electron as the most prolific launch vehicle globally dedicated exclusively to small satellite missions, a distinction this latest flight helps extend.
With the 98th Electron flight now complete, Rocket Lab moves closer to the milestone of 100 total launches, a threshold that would further cement the vehicle’s standing as the world’s most frequently launched dedicated small orbital rocket.
Rocket Lab’s satellites and spacecraft components have powered more than 1,700 missions in Earth orbit, in addition to supporting deep-space exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
The company’s broader launch portfolio includes the small-lift Electron and HASTE vehicles, alongside the upcoming reusable Neutron medium-lift rocket, positioning Rocket Lab to address a growing range of mission profiles across commercial, government, and defense sectors.
