Rocket Lab completes successful Electron launch for Open Cosmos

Rocket Lab completed its first launch of 2026 and its 80th Electron mission, deploying two Open Cosmos satellites into a 1,050 km circular orbit from Mahia, New Zealand.

Rocket Lab completed its first launch of 2026 and its 80th Electron mission overall. The flight, named 'The Cosmos Will See You Now', lifted off from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand at 11:52 pm NZDT (10:52 UTC). The mission successfully deployed two satellites into a 1,050 km circular Earth orbit for Open Cosmos, which was a first-time dedicated launch customer. The deployment illustrated Electron's capability to reach higher-altitude trajectories. Key facts: - Launch date and time: Jan. 22, 2026 at 11:52 pm NZDT (10:52 UTC). - Mission name: 'The Cosmos Will See You Now'. - Mission count: Rocket Lab's 80th Electron launch and the company's first mission of 2026. - Payload: Two satellites deployed for Open Cosmos, a first-time dedicated customer. - Orbit: Satellites placed into a 1,050 km circular Earth orbit. Summary: The flight marks Rocket Lab's 80th Electron launch and its first mission of 2026. Undetermined at this time.