Rocket Lab Schedules Two Rapid Successive Launches, Finalizing Kinéis IoT Constellation Deployment
Rocket Lab USA, Inc, a globally recognized leader in launch services and space systems, has announced an ambitious schedule featuring two Electron launches occurring just three days apart. This milestone, a first for the company, will see consecutive launches from Rocket Lab’s privately owned launch site in New Zealand, further reinforcing the company’s growing prominence in rapid-response and high-frequency satellite deployment.
The upcoming launch campaign will commence with an Electron mission scheduled no earlier than March 15th NZDT for Rocket Lab’s customer, iQPS. This will be immediately followed by another mission on March 18th NZDT for Kinéis, a pioneering global Internet-of-Things (IoT) connectivity provider. This rapid turnaround demonstrates Rocket Lab’s ability to conduct high-cadence missions and meet the growing demand for responsive, dedicated launch services.
The “High Five” Mission: Completing Kinéis’s IoT Constellation
The Kinéis mission, dubbed “High Five,” represents a significant milestone in the company’s ambitious project to establish a dedicated IoT satellite constellation. This mission marks the fifth and final installment of a multi-launch agreement between Rocket Lab and Kinéis. Over the past year, Rocket Lab has progressively deployed the Kinéis constellation, with four successful Electron launches completed in June, September, and November of 2024, followed by another mission in February 2025. The upcoming “High Five” mission will be Rocket Lab’s 62nd Electron launch overall and its fourth of 2025.
With the successful execution of this final mission, Kinéis will have completed the deployment of all 25 satellites in its IoT constellation in less than a year—a remarkable feat that underscores the capabilities of dedicated small satellite launch services. These satellites will enable global IoT connectivity, supporting a range of applications including environmental monitoring, maritime tracking, smart agriculture, and asset management across industries.
Sir Peter Beck, Founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, expressed his enthusiasm for this achievement:
An entire constellation deployed to precise orbits on the customers’ schedule in less than a year – that’s the value that dedicated launch on Electron delivers to our customers. Doing so back-to-back with another mission from the same launch site only days prior even further attests to Electron’s industry leadership for satellite operators globally. We’re proud to be teaming up with Kinéis once again to bring their IoT constellation to life in short order.”
Echoing this sentiment, Kinéis Chief Technology Officer Michel Sarthou highlighted the significance of the mission:
This fifth launch with Rocket Lab will mark a major milestone for Kinéis: the completion of our constellation deployment in less than a year. I commend the commitment and professionalism of the Kinéis teams, Rocket Lab, and all our partners – a tremendous challenge successfully achieved together!”
Rapid Launch Cadence and Operational Excellence
The scheduling of two launches within three days is an impressive demonstration of Rocket Lab’s growing operational efficiency and technical prowess. Conducting two consecutive launches from the same complex in such a short timeframe is a challenging task that requires streamlined operations, precise logistics, and flawless execution.
Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1, located on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula, is instrumental in achieving this rapid cadence. As the world’s first private orbital launch site, it is designed to support high-frequency launches and accommodate multiple missions in quick succession. With its dedicated infrastructure and experienced team, Rocket Lab has solidified its reputation as a go-to provider for satellite operators needing reliable and rapid deployment.
This capability is particularly valuable in today’s space industry, where satellite operators are increasingly seeking dedicated launch services that offer control over schedules and orbital parameters. Unlike rideshare missions, where small satellites are secondary payloads on large rockets and must conform to the primary payload’s requirements, Rocket Lab’s dedicated Electron launches provide unparalleled flexibility and precision in satellite deployment.
Technical Aspects of the “High Five” Mission
Mission Name: High Five
Customer: Kinéis
Launch Window: Opens March 18 at 14:31 NZDT
Launch Site: Launch Complex 1, New Zealand
Live Broadcast: Coverage begins approximately 20 minutes before launch on Rocket Lab’s official website
Media & Resources: High-quality images and videos will be available on Rocket Lab’s Flickr page
The Electron rocket, Rocket Lab’s flagship small satellite launch vehicle, has established itself as one of the most frequently launched commercial rockets globally. It is designed specifically for small payloads and has successfully launched various satellites for commercial, government, and defense customers. Each Electron rocket is equipped with Rutherford engines, which use electric pumps to optimize efficiency and performance.
For the Kinéis mission, Electron will deploy multiple small satellites into their designated orbits, ensuring precise placement for seamless constellation operation. These satellites are built to provide continuous global coverage, enabling IoT connectivity in remote and maritime regions where traditional communication infrastructure is limited.
Expanding Rocket Lab’s Market Presence
Rocket Lab’s ability to execute frequent and precise launches has positioned it as a dominant player in the small satellite launch market. The company continues to innovate, expanding its portfolio beyond launch services to include spacecraft manufacturing and satellite solutions.
The demand for dedicated small satellite launch services is expected to grow as more companies and government agencies develop Earth observation, IoT, and communications constellations. By demonstrating rapid launch turnaround and the ability to deploy entire constellations on customer-defined schedules, Rocket Lab is reinforcing its competitive advantage.
Beyond Electron, Rocket Lab is also developing the Neutron rocket, a medium-lift vehicle designed to support larger payloads and more complex mission requirements. Neutron is expected to complement Electron by offering greater payload capacity while maintaining the company’s hallmark flexibility and responsiveness.
The upcoming back-to-back Electron launches, culminating in the completion of Kinéis’s IoT satellite constellation, highlight Rocket Lab’s exceptional capabilities in dedicated launch services. These missions not only demonstrate the company’s ability to meet customer demands with rapid and reliable launches but also solidify its reputation as a leader in the commercial space industry.
As the industry continues to evolve, Rocket Lab’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence ensures it remains at the forefront of the small satellite revolution. With increasing demand for customized and timely satellite deployments, Rocket Lab is well-positioned to serve the growing needs of commercial and government customers worldwide.
