Rocket Lab has completed its 80th Electron launch and the company’s first mission of 2026, successfully deploying two spacecraft for European space technology company Open Cosmos.
The mission, titled The Cosmos Will See You Now, lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 11:52pm NZDT on 22 January 2026. The Electron rocket delivered the two satellites to a 1,050-kilometre low Earth orbit, marking another milestone for Rocket Lab’s small launch operations.
The launch continues Rocket Lab’s momentum following a record-breaking year in 2025, during which the company conducted its highest number of launches across its sites in New Zealand and Virginia. With the latest mission, Rocket Lab further extends Electron’s position as the world’s most frequently launched small orbital rocket.
The successful deployment for Open Cosmos highlights Electron’s role in supporting commercial satellite operators seeking dedicated and responsive access to orbit. Rocket Lab said 2026 is shaping up to be another busy year as demand for small satellite launches continues to grow across commercial, civil and defence markets.
