Rocket Lab says it has successfully completed its 87th launch, deploying eight satellites to orbit on an Electron rocket from the company’s Launch Complex 1.
The mission, named “Kakushin Rising”, lifted off at 3:09 p.m. NZT on 23 April 2026. Rocket Lab said it was its eighth launch of the year and the second of two dedicated launches it is conducting for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
According to Rocket Lab, the flight deployed satellites for JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration program, which the agency uses to provide opportunities for Japanese universities, researchers and companies to carry out in-space technology demonstrations.
Rocket Lab said a replay of the launch broadcast is available via its YouTube channel, its website, and on X via @RocketLab.
