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Dec 22, 2025 8:00 AM

Rocket Lab Caps Record Year, Lands $816 Million Defense Contract

Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) stock rose Monday after the company disclosed that it successfully launched its 21st Electron rocket of the year.

The company has deployed a satellite for the multi-launch customer Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS), a Japan-based Earth imaging company.

Details

The “The Wisdom God Guides” mission launched from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand on Dec. 21 at 7:36 p.m. local time (06:36 UTC), delivering the QPS-SAR-15 satellite for Japan-based iQPS.

Also Read: Rocket Lab Deploys First Dedicated Launch For Japan’s Space Agency

The satellite will strengthen iQPS’s SAR constellation, providing near-real-time imagery across 12 orbits.

The flight marked Electron’s 21st launch of the year, setting a new annual record with a ...