Rocket Lab, Electron, iQPS, QPS-SAR, synthetic aperture radar, Earth-imaging, Launch Complex 1, 93rd mission, low Earth orbit,

Rocket Lab Launches 93rd Electron Mission for iQPS Earth-Imaging Constellation

by EDI Editorial Staff September 13, 2026

written by EDI Editorial Staff September 13, 2026

Rocket Lab Corporation, a global leader in launch services and space systems, has successfully launched its Electron rocket to deploy the latest Earth-imaging satellite to space for the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS).

The “The Lightning God Defends” mission launched from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 1:04 a.m. NZST on August 21, 2026, and deployed the next QPS-SAR satellite in iQPS’ synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging constellation to a 575-kilometre low Earth orbit.

Mission Highlights:

Milestone Flight: This mission marked Rocket Lab’s 93rd overall Electron launch and 14th launch of the year.
iQPS Partnership: This was the ninth deployment of a QPS-SAR satellite with 100 percent mission success, reinforcing Electron’s position as the primary launch vehicle for the iQPS constellation.
More Missions: With this mission complete, nine dedicated launches remain booked on Electron by iQPS to deliver their constellation to space by 2030.