Electron | The Lightning God Defends (iQPS Launch 8)
Electron launched the The Lightning God Defends (iQPS Launch 8) mission for Rocket Lab from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand on Aug 20, 2026 (UTC).
Launch pad
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B · Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
Electron | The Lightning God Defends (iQPS Launch 8)
Launched Aug 20, 2026 10:04:45 PMSuccess
3 objects in orbit now
Flight direction
106° ESE
measured from the launched orbit · inclination 42.0°
Flight path
First-stage drop zone (rough estimate)
Drawn 400–700 km downrange along the flight direction. Official hazard areas are published as NOTAMs and navigational warnings.
About the mission
Synthetic aperture radar Earth observation satellite for Japanese Earth imaging company iQPS.
Mission description from Launch Library 2.
Objects from this launch still in orbit
- Launch time (your time zone)
- Thu, Aug 20 · 10:04:45 PM
- Status
- Success
- Launch provider
- Rocket Lab
- Rocket
- Electron
- Mission type
- Earth Science
- Target orbit
- LEO
- Launch pad
- Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B · Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand