Space & Satellites
DLR’s HAP-alpha Passes Key Vibration Test for Stratospheric Flight
DLR’s solar-powered HAP-alpha completes ground vibration test, advancing toward stratospheric missions in 2027 with sustainable Earth observation.
DLR’s Solar-Powered HAP-alpha: Advancing Toward Stratospheric Flight with Key Vibration Test Success
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) has recently achieved a significant milestone in the development of its High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) project, HAP-alpha. The successful completion of a ground vibration test (GVT) marks a critical step toward realizing the platform’s planned stratospheric missions. Designed to operate at around 20 kilometers altitude, HAP-alpha is a solar-powered, unmanned Aircraft capable of carrying out Earth observation and communication tasks for extended durations.
As the aerospace industry seeks sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional satellites, HAPS platforms like HAP-alpha offer a compelling solution. These aircraft fill a unique operational niche, bridging the gap between satellites and conventional aerial systems. With its successful structural validation, HAP-alpha is now one step closer to entering the stratosphere and contributing to a new era of atmospheric monitoring and connectivity.
Understanding High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS)
What Are HAPS?
High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites are unmanned aerial platforms that operate in the stratosphere, typically between 18 and 50 kilometers above sea level. Unlike satellites, HAPS can be recovered, reprogrammed, and redeployed, offering operational flexibility and cost savings. These platforms can remain airborne for weeks or even months, providing persistent coverage over specific geographic areas.
The concept of HAPS emerged in the 1990s, but early efforts were limited by technology constraints in energy storage, lightweight materials, and solar power efficiency. Notable early projects like NASA’s Helios demonstrated the feasibility of stratospheric flight, while more recent platforms such as Airbus’ Zephyr have set endurance records, highlighting the potential of this technology.
HAPS platforms can be configured as fixed-wing aircraft, airships, or balloons, depending on mission requirements. Their ability to loiter over a fixed point makes them ideal for applications that require continuous monitoring or communication relay capabilities.
“HAPS combine satellite-level persistence with the flexibility of aircraft, offering a new paradigm for Earth observation and connectivity.”, ITU Report on HAPS
Key Use Cases for HAPS
HAPS are increasingly being explored for a wide range of applications. In Earth observation, they can provide near-real-time imagery for disaster response, environmental monitoring, and agricultural analysis. Their high-resolution sensors can identify methane leaks, track deforestation, or support wildfire management efforts.
In the communications sector, HAPS can act as airborne cell towers, delivering broadband connectivity to underserved or remote areas. This capability is particularly valuable in regions lacking terrestrial infrastructure or in post-disaster scenarios where ground networks are compromised.
Security and defense agencies are also investing in HAPS for border surveillance, maritime patrol, and reconnaissance missions. With the ability to remain aloft for extended periods, these platforms offer persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities without the cost or complexity of satellite deployment.
The HAP-alpha Project: Development and Technical Milestones
Project Overview and Objectives
Launched in 2018, the HAP-alpha project is a collaborative effort involving 16 institutes under the DLR umbrella. With an initial budget of €30 million, the project aims to develop a certifiable, solar-powered platform capable of sustained operations in the stratosphere. The long-term goal is to enable reusable, environmentally friendly aerial systems for civil and governmental use.
HAP-alpha is designed with a modular architecture, allowing it to carry various payloads for different mission profiles. These include optical cameras, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and environmental sensors. The platform is intended to support both daytime and, eventually, nighttime operations through advanced solar and battery systems.
The development roadmap includes several phases: low-altitude flight tests, mid-altitude trials with enhanced solar arrays, and finally, full stratospheric missions. Each phase is structured to validate specific subsystems and operational capabilities before advancing to the next stage.
Technical Specifications and Innovations
HAP-alpha features a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer airframe, weighing approximately 138 kilograms. Its 27-meter wingspan and low surface loading of 3.5 kg/m² are optimized for high-altitude efficiency. The aircraft is powered by gallium-arsenide solar cells that drive two electric motors, each capable of 2.5 kW peak output. Excess energy is stored in lithium batteries for overnight flight.
The platform supports a maximum payload of 5 kilograms. Notable instruments include the MACS-HAP optical camera, which offers 15 cm ground resolution, and the HAPSAR radar system, capable of 50 cm resolution with a power draw of 250 watts. These sensors enable detailed Earth observation from the stratosphere.
HAP-alpha’s modular design allows for rapid reconfiguration between missions. This flexibility makes it suitable for a variety of tasks, from scientific research to emergency response, without requiring significant hardware changes.
Ground Vibration Test: A Critical Milestone
In July 2025, HAP-alpha underwent a successful Ground Vibration Test (GVT) at DLR’s National Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Cochstedt. The test involved subjecting the aircraft to simulated flight stresses using electromechanical actuators. This procedure is essential for validating the structural integrity and dynamic behavior of the airframe.
Due to the aircraft’s lightweight and flexible structure, engineers had to address unique challenges during the test. Sensors were strategically placed throughout the airframe to measure resonance frequencies and damping characteristics. These data points were used to refine aerodynamic models and ensure safe flight performance.
Julian Sinske from DLR’s Institute of Aeroelasticity noted that the test results “validate our aeroelastic models and de-risk future flight operations.” With this milestone completed, HAP-alpha is now cleared for low-altitude flight trials scheduled for 2026.
“The successful vibration test marks a turning point in HAP-alpha’s journey toward the stratosphere.”, Julian Sinske, DLR
Industry Landscape and Future Outlook
Global HAPS Developments
HAP-alpha enters a competitive and rapidly evolving market. Airbus’ Zephyr platform recently set a 67-day endurance record and is targeting commercial deployment in 2026. Meanwhile, Sceye’s stratospheric airship has demonstrated 24-hour diurnal flights and is being considered for environmental monitoring and broadband delivery.
Governments and private companies alike are investing heavily in HAPS technologies. The U.S. Department of Defense is funding projects for persistent ISR capabilities, while Japan has announced plans for commercial HAPS services within the next two years. These developments underscore the growing strategic importance of high-altitude platforms.
According to market research, the global HAPS industry could reach a valuation of $2.66 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by increasing demand for real-time data, climate monitoring, and resilient communication networks.
Regulatory and Technical Challenges
Despite their promise, HAPS platforms face several challenges. Energy storage remains a limiting factor, particularly for nighttime operations. While solar cells can generate ample power during the day, current battery technologies constrain overnight endurance. HAP-alpha’s early configurations are limited to daytime missions as a result.
Another hurdle is regulatory integration. DLR is working with the Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS) to develop airspace protocols for stratospheric operations. These efforts aim to ensure that HAPS can safely coexist with other aerial systems and comply with international aviation standards.
Environmental resilience is also a concern. Operating in the stratosphere exposes platforms to extreme temperatures, low pressure, and high radiation levels. Engineers must ensure that all onboard systems can function reliably under these harsh conditions.
Strategic Implications and Sustainability
HAP-alpha’s development aligns with broader trends in sustainable aviation and space technology. Its solar-electric propulsion system produces zero emissions during operation, offering a greener alternative to fuel-based aircraft and satellites. The platform’s reusability further enhances its environmental credentials by reducing waste and operational costs.
Florian Nikodem, project lead for HAP-alpha, emphasized that the platform represents a “sustainable Earth observation solution without contributing to space debris.” As battery and solar technologies continue to improve, the potential for multi-week or even month-long missions becomes increasingly realistic.
Economically, HAPS could disrupt traditional satellite services by offering similar capabilities at a fraction of the cost. This shift could democratize access to high-resolution Earth data and reliable communications, especially in regions where satellite launches remain prohibitively expensive.
Conclusion
The successful ground vibration test of DLR’s HAP-alpha marks a major milestone on the path to operational stratospheric flight. By validating the aircraft’s structural integrity, DLR has cleared a critical hurdle toward launching a new class of persistent, solar-powered aerial platforms. The upcoming low-altitude flight trials in 2026 will further demonstrate the system’s capabilities and readiness for higher-altitude missions.
As the HAPS industry matures, platforms like HAP-alpha could play a vital role in transforming how we observe, communicate, and respond to events on Earth. With their unique combination of endurance, flexibility, and sustainability, these aircraft are poised to complement, and in some cases, replace, existing satellite infrastructure in the years ahead.
FAQ
What is HAP-alpha?
HAP-alpha is a solar-powered, high-altitude pseudo-satellite developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to perform long-duration missions in the stratosphere for Earth observation and communication.
What was the purpose of the ground vibration test?
The Ground Vibration Test validated the structural integrity and dynamic response of the HAP-alpha airframe to ensure it can safely operate in flight conditions.
When will HAP-alpha begin stratospheric operations?
Stratospheric missions are planned for 2027 following phased testing, including low-altitude and mid-altitude trials in 2026.
Sources:
Military Aerospace,
DLR,
Wikipedia,
ITU,
Frontex,
Airbus Zephyr,
Sceye
Photo Credit: DLR
Space & Satellites
Lockheed Martin Advances Technologies for NASA Habitable Worlds Observatory
Lockheed Martin develops ultra-stable optical systems and vibration isolation for NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory, aiming to image Earth-like exoplanets.
This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin, supplemented by aggregated industry research and reporting.
In a major step toward answering whether humanity is alone in the universe, NASA has selected Lockheed Martin to continue advancing next-generation technologies and architecture studies for the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). According to an official company press release, Lockheed Martin will play a critical role in maturing the complex engineering required for the agency’s next flagship space telescope.
Industry research and recent contract announcements reveal that Lockheed Martin is one of seven aerospace companies awarded three-year, fixed-price contracts by NASA on January 6, 2026. The HWO mission is designed to directly image Earth-like planets orbiting Sun-like stars and analyze their atmospheres for chemical biosignatures, which could indicate the presence of life.
To achieve these unprecedented scientific goals, the observatory will require optical stability and precision far beyond any spacecraft currently in operation. We have reviewed the technical mandates outlined in recent NASA and industry reports, which highlight the immense scale of the engineering challenges these commercial partners must now overcome.
The Habitable Worlds Observatory Mission
The Habitable Worlds Observatory concept originated from the National Academies’ Astro2020 Decadal Survey, which designated a massive space-based observatory as the top priority for the next generation of large astrophysics projects. Drawing on earlier conceptual frameworks known as LUVOIR and HabEx, the HWO is positioned as the direct successor to the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which is slated for launch around 2027.
According to mission outlines from the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) and NASA, the primary objective of the HWO is to identify and directly image at least 25 potentially habitable worlds. In addition to its exoplanet hunting capabilities, the telescope will serve as a general astrophysics observatory, providing researchers with powerful tools to study dark matter, stellar astrophysics, and galaxy evolution.
Overcoming Extreme Distances
Unlike the Hubble Space Telescope, which resides in low Earth orbit, the HWO is projected to operate approximately 900,000 miles away from Earth, likely at Lagrange Point 2 (L2). Despite this vast distance, NASA is designing the observatory to be fully serviceable and upgradable in space. Because of a five-second communication delay between Earth and L2, remote-controlled repairs by human operators are impossible. Consequently, the mission relies on the development of highly autonomous robotic servicing systems to extend the telescope’s operational life over several decades.
Lockheed Martin’s Technological Mandate
Lockheed Martin’s specific role in the HWO’s pre-formulation phase centers on architecture studies and the physical stabilization of the telescope. This recent January 2026 contract builds upon a previous round of funding in 2024, during which NASA awarded a combined $17.5 million in two-year, fixed-price contracts to Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and Northrop Grumman, according to historical contract data.
A core focus for Lockheed Martin is the development of its Disturbance Free Payload (DFP) system. Based on technical reports published in March 2026 via the NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), the DFP system evaluates a formation-flying approach where the telescope is mechanically disconnected from its host spacecraft, save for necessary wiring harnesses. This design provides superior vibration isolation, ensuring that the spacecraft’s internal mechanical movements do not transfer to the sensitive optical instruments.
Picometer-Class Precision
To successfully separate the faint light of a distant exoplanet from the blinding glare of its host star, the telescope’s optical system must remain incredibly stable. Lockheed Martin is tasked with developing picometer-class metrology systems capable of measuring and maintaining the telescope’s stability to within one-trillionth of a meter, roughly the width of an atom. Furthermore, the company’s portfolio for the HWO includes advancing cryogenic detector cooling and structural damping augmentation.
Industry-Wide Engineering Challenges
While Lockheed Martin focuses on payload isolation and stability, the broader commercial space sector is tackling other massive hurdles. NASA has stated that the HWO requires an internal coronagraph, an instrument used to block starlight, that is thousands of times more capable than any space coronagraph built to date.
Additionally, the requirement for autonomous robotic servicing at L2 has brought companies like Astroscale U.S. into the fold. Alongside Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris Technologies, Busek, and Zecoat were also selected in the January 2026 contract round to address these diverse technological needs.
AirPro News analysis
At AirPro News, we view the development of the Habitable Worlds Observatory as a pivotal catalyst for the broader commercial space economy. While the primary goal of the HWO is profound, answering whether we are alone in the universe, the secondary effects of this mission are equally significant. The mandate to achieve picometer-level optical stability and develop autonomous robotic servicing systems 900,000 miles from Earth is forcing aerospace contractors to push the boundaries of current materials science and artificial intelligence.
We anticipate that the R&D funded by these exploratory contracts will eventually trickle down into other commercial applications, including advanced satellite manufacturing, orbital debris removal, and deep-space navigation. Furthermore, as NASA has indicated, the technologies matured for the HWO could indirectly support future crewed missions to Mars by advancing our understanding of planetary environments and autonomous life-support diagnostics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO)?
The HWO is a planned NASA flagship space telescope designed to directly image Earth-like planets orbiting Sun-like stars and search their atmospheres for signs of life.
When will the HWO launch?
The mission is currently in its pre-formulation phase. Based on current projections, the telescope is not expected to launch until the late 2030s or early 2040s.
What is Lockheed Martin’s role in the project?
Lockheed Martin has been contracted to mature critical technologies for the telescope, specifically focusing on ultra-stable optical systems, vibration isolation through their Disturbance Free Payload system, and picometer-class metrology.
Where will the telescope be located?
The HWO is expected to be stationed at Lagrange Point 2 (L2), which is approximately 900,000 miles away from Earth, beyond the orbit of the Moon.
Sources:
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Space & Satellites
NASA Announces SpaceX Crew-13 Mission Crew for September 2026 Launch
NASA reveals SpaceX Crew-13 crew including Jessica Watkins, Luke Delaney, Joshua Kutryk, and Sergey Teteryatnikov for ISS Expedition 75.
This article is based on an official press release from NASA.
NASA has officially announced the crew assignments for the upcoming SpaceX Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, which industry reports indicate has been moved forward from November 2026 to launch no earlier than mid-September 2026, will see a diverse international crew integrate into the station’s Expedition 75.
According to the official NASA press release, the four-person crew features representatives from three different international space agencies. The mission highlights the ongoing reliance on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft for operational crew rotations in low Earth orbit.
Meet the Crew-13 Astronauts
The Crew-13 roster blends veteran spaceflight experience with first-time flyers, bringing together backgrounds in geology, military aviation, and engineering.
Spacecraft Commander and Pilot
NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins will lead the mission. Watkins, a geologist who previously spent 170 days in space during the SpaceX Crew-4 mission in 2022, is set to achieve a notable milestone. According to mission research, she will become the first NASA astronaut to launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft twice.
“NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney will serve as spacecraft commander and pilot, respectively,” the space agency stated in its official release.
Joining Watkins at the controls is NASA pilot Luke Delaney. Delaney holds a master’s degree in aerospace engineering and is a former naval aviator and test pilot. This mission will mark his first journey to space.
Mission Specialists
The mission specialists bring critical international collaboration to the flight. Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Joshua Kutryk, a former Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot, will be making his first spaceflight. Research notes that Kutryk will be the first CSA astronaut to fly under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
Rounding out the crew is Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov. Selected as a cosmonaut candidate in 2021, Teteryatnikov is an engineer with a background in submarine operations who will also be embarking on his inaugural spaceflight.
Mission Objectives and ISS Operations
Upon arriving at the orbiting laboratory, the Crew-13 members will officially become part of Expedition 75. Their primary focus will be conducting scientific research and technology demonstrations in microgravity.
A significant portion of this research is geared toward preparing humanity for deep space exploration. The scientific endeavors undertaken during Expedition 75 are expected to directly support NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and eventually mount human missions to Mars.
In addition to their scientific duties, the crew will be responsible for standard maintenance and operational activities to ensure the continued functionality of the ISS, which has hosted a continuous human presence for more than 25 years.
Commercial Crew Dynamics and Geopolitics
AirPro News analysis
The composition and timing of the Crew-13 mission offer several insights into the current state of international spaceflight. The decision to advance the launch to mid-September 2026, underscores NASA’s strategic need to maintain a steady cadence of U.S. crew rotations to the ISS.
Furthermore, the reassignment of CSA astronaut Joshua Kutryk is highly indicative of the shifting landscape within the Commercial Crew Program. Kutryk was originally announced in 2023 to fly on Boeing‘s Starliner-1 mission. However, following technical challenges during Starliner’s crewed flight test in June 2024 and subsequent schedule delays, his move to Crew-13 highlights NASA’s current reliance on SpaceX as the primary operational vehicle for crewed missions.
On the geopolitical front, the inclusion of Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov reflects the ongoing resilience of the 2022 integrated crew agreement between NASA and Roscosmos. This cross-flight arrangement ensures that at least one U.S. astronaut and one Russian cosmonaut are always aboard the ISS to manage their respective segments. We observe that despite broader terrestrial geopolitical tensions, low Earth orbit remains a unique zone of active, necessary cooperation between the United States and Russia.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 launching?
According to updated mission schedules, the Crew-13 mission is targeted to launch no earlier than mid-September 2026.
Who is commanding the Crew-13 mission?
NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins will command the mission. This will mark her second flight on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, making her the first NASA astronaut to achieve this specific milestone.
Why was Joshua Kutryk moved to Crew-13?
CSA astronaut Joshua Kutryk was reassigned from Boeing’s Starliner-1 mission due to ongoing delays with the Starliner spacecraft, ensuring he flies on the operational SpaceX Crew Dragon to maintain international crew rotation schedules.
Sources
Photo Credit: NASA
Space & Satellites
Rocket Lab Launches Eight Satellites for JAXA on Kakushin Rising Mission
Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket deployed eight satellites for JAXA from New Zealand, including the innovative OrigamiSat-2, after JAXA’s Epsilon-S was grounded.
This article is based on an official press release from Rocket Lab.
Rocket Lab Successfully Launches “Kakushin Rising” Mission for JAXA
On April 23, 2026, Rocket Lab Corporation successfully executed its second dedicated orbital mission for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). According to an official press release from the company, the mission, dubbed “Kakushin Rising,” deployed eight spacecraft into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 on the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand.
The Electron rocket lifted off at 3:09 p.m. New Zealand Standard Time (NZT), marking Rocket Lab’s eighth launch of 2026 and its 87th launch overall. The successful deployment further cements the growing partnerships between the commercial launch provider and Japan’s national space agency, following their initial collaboration late last year.
We note that this mission underscores a broader industry trend: national space agencies are increasingly relying on agile commercial launch providers to maintain their research and deployment schedules, particularly when domestic launch vehicles face developmental or operational delays.
Mission Specifications and Payload Details
The “Kakushin Rising” Manifest
According to supplementary industry research, the Electron rocket targeted a 540-kilometer (336-mile) Sun-Synchronous Low Earth Orbit for this mission. The payload consisted of eight distinct spacecraft, encompassing a variety of educational small satellites, an ocean-monitoring satellite, and a demonstration unit for ultra-small multispectral cameras.
A standout payload on the manifest was OrigamiSat-2. Industry data indicates this satellite features a deployable antenna packed tightly using traditional origami folding techniques. Once in orbit, the antenna is designed to unfurl up to 25 times its original size, demonstrating an innovative approach to overcoming the spatial constraints of modern rocket fairings. Other satellites deployed during the mission included MAGNARO-II, KOSEN-2R, WASEDA-SAT-ZERO-II, FSI-SAT2, Mono-Nikko, ARICA-2, and PRELUDE.
JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program
The company stated that the payloads were launched as part of JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program. This initiative is designed to provide vital flight opportunities for Japanese universities, research institutions, and private companies. By allowing these entities to test high-risk, innovative technologies in the vacuum of space, JAXA aims to foster domestic startups and bolster Japan’s international competitiveness in the aerospace sector.
Strategic Context: Stepping in for Epsilon-S
A Pivot to Commercial Launchers
While the official press release highlights the successful partnership, industry research provides crucial context for this specific mission. The eight satellites aboard “Kakushin Rising” were originally slated to fly on JAXA’s domestic Epsilon-S rocket. However, following an explosion during an Epsilon-S static fire test and the subsequent grounding of that vehicle, JAXA pivoted to Rocket Lab to ensure the timely deployment of these critical research payloads.
Building on Previous Success
The April 2026 launch builds directly upon the success of Rocket Lab’s first dedicated mission for JAXA, which took place in December 2025. That initial mission, known as “RAISE and Shine,” successfully deployed the RAISE-4 spacecraft, which also tested new aerospace technologies developed across Japan. Rocket Lab noted that it worked closely with JAXA on “Kakushin Rising” to ensure the precise mission requirements for each of the eight satellites were met efficiently.
In the company’s press release, Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck emphasized the reliability of the Electron launch vehicle:
“Two successful missions in a matter of months, deployed precisely where they needed to be on orbit, shows exactly why Electron is the preferred small launcher for national space agencies. JAXA is a world leader in space and it’s been an honor to be trusted with these back-to-back missions growing Japan’s aerospace economy.”
AirPro News analysis
The successful execution of the “Kakushin Rising” mission highlights a significant shift in the global space economy. As domestic rocket programs occasionally face technical hurdles, such as the grounding of JAXA’s Epsilon-S, commercial providers with proven track records are stepping in to fill the void. Rocket Lab’s Electron remains the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket, and its ability to execute two dedicated missions for a major national agency within a five-month span demonstrates high operational maturity.
Furthermore, financial analysts are taking note of this steady cadence. According to industry research citing firms like Roth Capital, Rocket Lab is well-positioned to capitalize on increased space technology and defense spending. The company is currently tracking toward a projected 20% year-over-year launch growth in 2026. With upcoming missions slated for commercial Earth observation, on-orbit technology demonstrations, and national security, Rocket Lab’s diverse manifest insulates it from the volatility often seen in the broader launch market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the “Kakushin Rising” mission?
“Kakushin Rising” was a dedicated orbital launch mission conducted by Rocket Lab for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on April 23, 2026. It successfully deployed eight small satellites into Low Earth Orbit.
Why did JAXA use Rocket Lab for this launch?
According to industry research, the payloads were originally scheduled to launch on JAXA’s Epsilon-S rocket. Following an anomaly during an Epsilon-S static fire test that grounded the vehicle, JAXA contracted Rocket Lab to maintain its deployment schedule.
What is OrigamiSat-2?
OrigamiSat-2 is one of the eight satellites deployed during the mission. It features a deployable antenna that utilizes traditional origami folding techniques to pack tightly inside the rocket, unfurling to 25 times its original size once in orbit.
How many times has Rocket Lab launched in 2026?
According to the company, “Kakushin Rising” marked Rocket Lab’s 8th launch of 2026 and its 87th launch overall.
Sources
Photo Credit: Rocket Lab
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