iQPS Books Three New Launches on Electron, Extending Multi-Year Partnership with Rocket Lab
Rhea-AI Summary
Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) signed a multi-launch agreement with Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS) for three new dedicated Electron launches from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand beginning in 2028, bringing iQPS' total Electron missions with Rocket Lab to 15.
Seven launches for iQPS have flown since 2023 with 100% mission success. Each mission will deploy QPS-SAR satellites using Rocket Lab’s Motorized Lightband separation system. Rocket Lab says its in-house production reduces scheduling risk; next launch for iQPS is scheduled no earlier than May 2026.
Positive
- Three additional Electron launches contracted from 2028
- Total iQPS Electron missions rise to 15
- Seven launches since 2023 with 100% mission success
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction – RKLB
On the day this news was published, RKLB gained 1.96%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction. Our momentum scanner triggered 8 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $775M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $40.32B at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
LONG BEACH, Calif., April 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has signed another multi-launch deal with Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc (“iQPS”) in a deal that further strengthens the partnership with Rocket Lab as iQPS’ primary launch provider.
Three new dedicated Electron launches are contracted to lift-off from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand from 2028, bringing the total number of Electron missions for iQPS to 15. Seven launches have already taken place since 2023 with
This latest agreement is the second order of multiple launches by iQPS to be announced within six months and emphasizes the strong market demand for Rocket Lab’s dedicated launch services. Each launch for iQPS will also deploy the company’s QPS-SAR satellites from a Rocket Lab Motorized Lightband satellite separation system. By leveraging its own in-house production of launch and space systems, Rocket Lab reduces scheduling risk and provides superior reliability that streamlines iQPS’ constellation deployment over multiple missions.
Brian Rogers, Vice President – Global Launch Services, says: “Success in space requires a dependable launch partner. Our expanded partnership with iQPS is built on our consistent execution across the many missions we’ve launched for them already, and we’re proud to continue delivering their Earth-imaging constellation to space as we deepen our role as their primary launch provider.”
Rocket Lab’s next launch for iQPS is scheduled to take place no earlier than May 2026.
Rocket Lab Images and Videos: www.flickr.com/photos/rocketlab/
Rocket Lab Media Contact
Murielle Baker
media@rocketlabusa.com
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is a leading space company that provides launch services, spacecraft, payloads, and satellite components serving commercial, government, and national security markets. Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket; its HASTE rocket provides hypersonic test launch capability for the U.S. government and allied nations; and its Neutron launch vehicle in development will unlock medium launch for constellation deployment, national security and exploration missions. Rocket Lab’s spacecraft and satellite components have enabled more than 1,700 missions spanning commercial, defense and national security missions including GPS, constellations, and exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, and Venus. Rocket Lab is a publicly listed company on the Nasdaq stock exchange (RKLB). Learn more at www.rocketlabcorp.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding our launch and space systems operations, launch schedule and window, safe and repeatable access to space, Neutron development, operational expansion and business strategy are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “plan,” “target,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the factors, risks and uncertainties included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Relations section of our website at www.rocketlabcorp.com, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change.
