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SpainSat NG II Launch Completes Spain’s Secure Satellite Network

Spain completes SpainSat NG-II satellite launch with Airbus, enhancing secure communications for defense and allied operations until 2040.

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The successful launch of the SpainSat NG-II satellite marks a pivotal moment for Spain’s strategic and technological capabilities. On October 24, 2025, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying the Airbus-built satellite into orbit. This event is more than just a single launch; it represents the completion of the ambitious two-satellite SpainSat NG program, a cornerstone of the nation’s efforts to secure sovereign communication channels for its defense and governmental operations.

Developed through a robust public-private partnership between the Spanish Ministry of Defence and the satellite operator Hisdesat, the SpainSat NG program is designed to provide advanced, secure, and flexible communications for the next fifteen years. The system, comprising SpainSat NG-I (launched in January 2025) and the newly deployed SpainSat NG-II, will serve the Spanish Armed Forces, allied nations, and key international bodies like NATO and the European Commission. This new constellation replaces the aging SpainSat and XTAR-EUR satellites, ushering in a new era of technological sovereignty and operational resilience for Spain and its partners.

The program’s significance extends beyond its immediate military and governmental applications. It stands as a testament to the strength of the Spanish and European space industries, with major contractors like Airbus and Thales Alenia Space leading a consortium of national companies. By investing in cutting-edge technologies, Spain not only enhances its defense posture but also solidifies its position as a key player in the global space sector, capable of developing and deploying critical infrastructure independently.

The SpainSat NG Program: A Leap in Strategic Autonomy

The SpainSat NG program is fundamentally about ensuring that Spain has guaranteed access to secure communications, independent of third-party systems. In an increasingly contested geopolitical landscape, the ability to communicate securely is a non-negotiable requirement for any modern defense force. This two-satellite system provides that capability, offering robust coverage and services tailored to the specific needs of the Spanish government and its allies.

A New Era for Spanish Secure Communications

With SpainSat NG-I positioned at 29° East and SpainSat NG-II at 30° West in geostationary orbit, the constellation offers comprehensive coverage for a wide range of operations. The primary users will be the Spanish Armed Forces, who rely on such systems for command and control, intelligence gathering, and deployed operations. Beyond national needs, the system is designed for interoperability, making it a valuable asset for joint missions with allied governments and international organizations, including NATO and the EU’s Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM) program.

The transition from the previous generation of satellites to the SpainSat NG system represents a significant technological leap. The new satellites are not just replacements; they are a complete upgrade in terms of capacity, flexibility, and security. They are built to operate effectively in complex and potentially hostile electronic environments, ensuring that critical communication links remain open when they are needed most. The entire system is expected to be jointly operational by the spring of 2026 and is designed for a service life extending to 2040.

This forward-looking approach ensures that Spain’s defense and security apparatus will be well-equipped for the challenges of the coming decades. The program’s long-term vision provides stability and a reliable platform for future defense planning and international cooperation, cementing Spain’s role as a dependable partner on the world stage.

“SpainSat NG is the most important and ambitious space program carried on by Spain, developed through a Public Private Partnership between the Spanish Ministry of Defense and Hisdesat, with the collaboration of the Spanish Ministries of Industry and Tourisim, and Science, Innovation and Universities.”

, Miguel Ángel García Primo, Hisdesat CEO

A Showcase of European and Spanish Industry

The development and construction of the SpainSat NG satellites highlight a successful model of industrial collaboration. The program was managed by a consortium of four main contractors: Airbus Defence and Space in Spain and France, and Thales Alenia Space in Spain and France. Airbus served as the lead contractor, building the satellites on its reliable Eurostar Neo platform, while the payload development was a shared effort that heavily involved the Spanish space sector.

The Spanish industry, led by Airbus, was responsible for the innovative X-band payload. Thales Alenia Space in Spain took charge of the Ka and UHF band payloads. This division of labor leveraged the specific expertise of each entity, fostering a collaborative ecosystem that pushed technological boundaries. The development of critical components, such as the advanced active antennas, received crucial support from the European Space Agency (ESA) through its ARTES program, as well as from the Spanish Space Agency, demonstrating a multi-layered commitment to innovation.

This project has not only produced a state-of-the-art satellite system but has also stimulated growth and expertise within Spain’s domestic space industry. By taking on significant roles in the design and manufacture of complex satellite components, Spanish companies have enhanced their capabilities and competitiveness, positioning them for future opportunities in the global space market.

Under the Hood: The Technology Powering SpainSat NG-II

The SpainSat NG-II satellite is more than just a relay in the sky; it is a sophisticated piece of technology engineered for performance, flexibility, and resilience. Weighing approximately 6 tons and standing about 7 meters tall, it is packed with cutting-edge systems designed to meet the stringent demands of secure military and governmental communications.

Advanced Payload and Capabilities

At the heart of the satellite’s capabilities is its advanced communications payload, which operates across multiple frequency bands, including X-band, military Ka-band, and UHF. This multi-band capability allows it to serve a diverse range of missions and user terminals, from large ground stations to mobile units in the field. The standout feature is its innovative X-band active receive and transmit antenna system. This technology provides the functionality of 16 traditional antennas in a single, highly integrated unit.

The primary advantage of this active antenna system is its incredible flexibility. It allows the satellite’s coverage to be reconfigured in-orbit, adapting to changing operational needs almost instantaneously. The system can alter its coverage patterns up to 1,000 times per second, enabling it to redirect communication beams, focus power where it is most needed, and mitigate interference with unprecedented speed and precision. This dynamic adaptability is a game-changer for tactical communications.

This level of control means the satellite can support multiple operations simultaneously across its coverage area, allocate bandwidth dynamically, and respond swiftly to new demands. Whether it’s providing high-throughput data links for surveillance drones or secure voice channels for ground troops, the satellite’s payload can be configured to deliver the optimal performance for the task at hand.

“With SpainSat NG, Spain will be at the forefront of Europe and among one of the few countries in the world with access to the most secure communications networks, providing our country and its allies with sovereignty and strategic autonomy.”

, Raquel González Sola, Head of Space Systems at Airbus in Spain

Built for a Contested Environment

Modern Military-Aircraft satellites must be able to operate under the threat of electronic warfare. The SpainSat NG satellites were designed from the ground up with this reality in mind. They incorporate advanced security features to protect against interference and deliberate jamming attempts. The system is not only capable of resisting such attacks but can also precisely geolocate the source of jamming signals, providing critical intelligence for countermeasures.

Furthermore, the satellites are hardened against the effects of a nuclear electromagnetic pulse (EMP). This is a critical survivability feature, ensuring that the command-and-control communications network can endure even in the most extreme scenarios of conflict. This level of protection guarantees that Spain’s strategic assets remain connected and operational under duress.

The combination of these defensive measures, anti-jamming, geolocation, and EMP hardening, makes the SpainSat NG constellation one of the most secure and resilient satellite communications systems in the world. It provides the Spanish Ministry of Defence and its allies with a trusted network that can be relied upon in any situation, reinforcing the system’s core mission of providing strategic autonomy.

Conclusion: Securing the Future

The launch of SpainSat NG-II successfully concludes the deployment phase of a program that is set to redefine Spain’s capabilities in secure communications. It is the culmination of years of planning, innovation, and collaboration between government and industry. The result is a sovereign satellite system that equips Spain with the tools needed to protect its interests and contribute effectively to international security alliances. The technological advancements embedded in the satellites, particularly their reconfigurable antennas and robust anti-jamming features, place Spain at the leading edge of satellite communications technology.

Looking forward, the SpainSat NG system will serve as a critical enabler for the Spanish Armed Forces for nearly two decades, supporting a wide spectrum of missions and ensuring interoperability with NATO and EU partners. Beyond its military significance, the program has been a catalyst for the Spanish space industry, fostering high-tech skills and strengthening the nation’s industrial base. As space becomes an increasingly vital domain for national security and economic prosperity, the SpainSat NG program stands as a powerful example of how strategic investment and public-private partnership can deliver profound and lasting benefits.

FAQ

Question: What is the SpainSat NG program?
Answer: The SpainSat NG program is Spain’s next-generation satellite communications system, consisting of two satellites (SpainSat NG-I and SpainSat NG-II). It is designed to provide secure and reliable communications for the Spanish government, military, and its international allies.

Question: Who built the SpainSat NG-II satellite?
Answer: The satellite was built by Airbus, which led a consortium of European space companies. The project featured significant contributions from the Spanish space industry, with Thales Alenia Space in Spain also playing a key role in developing parts of the communications payload.

Question: What makes this satellite system special?
Answer: The SpainSat NG system is distinguished by its advanced technology, including highly flexible and reconfigurable active antennas, robust protection against jamming and interference, and hardening against nuclear electromagnetic pulses (EMP). This makes it one of the most secure and resilient systems of its kind.

Question: When will the SpainSat NG system be fully operational?
Answer: The two-satellite constellation is expected to be jointly operational by the spring of 2026 and is designed to have a useful life of 15 years, operating until 2040.

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Photo Credit: Airbus

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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.

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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.


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Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin

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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.

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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.

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Photo Credit: NASA

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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.

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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.


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Photo Credit: Rocket Lab

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