Rocket Lab conducts second Electron mission in eight days to orbit Korean imaging satelliteby Simon MansfieldSydney, Australia (SPX) Jan 30, 2026Rocket Lab Corporation has completed its 81st Electron mission, successfully deploying an Earth observation satellite for the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and marking its second launch in just eight days. NEONSAT-1A is an advanced Earth imaging satellite designed to demonstrate technologies for South Korea's planned NEONSAT constellation, which will monitor natural disasters and national security events along the Korean Peninsula. Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck said the rapid flight cadence at the start of the year highlights both customer demand and the company's operational tempo. "Two launches in eight days is a strong start to the year that speaks volumes about the demand for Electron and the excellence and dedication of the Rocket Lab team. Rocket Lab expects the steady cadence of small satellite launches to continue through 2026 as government and commercial operators expand their constellations.