Rocket Lab to launch fifth mission for Japanese Earth imaging firm

LONG BEACH - Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq:RKLB), which has seen its stock surge over 825% in the past year according to InvestingPro data, announced its upcoming mission "The Harvest Goddess Thrives" is scheduled to launch from New Zealand on August 5, 2025. This will be the company’s 69th Electron mission and 11th launch this year. The space technology company, currently valued at $22 billion, continues to demonstrate strong operational momentum.

The mission will deploy the QPS-SAR-12 satellite, nicknamed KUSHINADA-I, to a 575km circular Earth orbit for the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS), a Japan-based Earth imaging company. The satellite will join iQPS’s constellation providing high-resolution synthetic aperture radar images and Earth monitoring services globally.

This marks the fifth mission Rocket Lab has conducted for iQPS, following previous successful launches in December 2023 and earlier in 2025. Three additional dedicated iQPS missions are planned through the remainder of this year and into 2026.

Rocket Lab reports maintaining 100% mission success for all Electron launches in 2025 while increasing its launch cadence. The company continues operations with its small orbital launch vehicle Electron while preparing for the anticipated debut of its medium-lift reusable Neutron rocket.

The launch window opens at 11:45 pm Eastern on August 4 (03:45 UTC on August 5).

Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab provides launch services, satellite manufacturing, and on-orbit management solutions. The company stated in its press release that since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Electron has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered over 200 satellites to orbit. For detailed analysis of Rocket Lab’s financial health, growth prospects, and 13 additional exclusive ProTips, visit InvestingPro.

In other recent news, Rocket Lab USA has been making significant strides with its Neutron rocket development. The company awarded a contract to Bollinger Shipyards for the construction of an ocean landing platform named "Return On Investment," which is crucial for its reusable Neutron rocket. This platform is expected to be delivered in early 2026 and will feature advanced technologies like autonomous ground support equipment. Additionally, Citi has raised its price target for Rocket Lab to $50, citing progress in the Neutron rocket project and growth in the satellite systems business, projecting revenue potential to reach approximately $2.6 billion by 2029. Meanwhile, Craig-Hallum initiated coverage of Rocket Lab with a Hold rating, expressing concerns about the stock’s current valuation. Cantor Fitzgerald has reiterated an Overweight rating and a $35 price target, following the contract award to Bollinger Shipyards. These developments highlight Rocket Lab’s ongoing efforts to expand its capabilities and market presence.

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