Rocket Lab Completes 18th Launch of 2026, With More Missions and a Major Acquisition on Horizon
On September 25, Rocket Lab (RKLB) successfully launched its 97th rocket overall — the company’s 18th launch in 2026. The mission delivered another StriX satellite for Japanese customer Synspective as part of a long-term agreement to build out their synthetic aperture radar (SAR) constellation. Rocket Lab has completed just over one-quarter of its total contract with Synspective, having launched 13 satellites so far and still needing to launch an additional 34. The company also remains on track for at least nine more launches in the remainder of 2026 across various clients including BlackSky, iQPS, HawkEye 360, Capella Space, and NASA. Beyond its growing number of missions, Rocket Lab is advancing a major $8 billion acquisition deal with Iridium Communications (IRDM), which received shareholder approval on September 24. The transaction involves paying each Iridium share in cash ($27) plus stock ($27).
Topics: Rocket Lab Satellite Constellation Space Launches Synspective