Rocket Lab launches Cluster 16 satellites for HawkEye 360

Rocket Lab successfully launched an uncrewed Electron rocket carrying HawkEye 360's Cluster 16 mission on Friday, October 23, 2026. SatNews reported that the launch took place from Launch Complex 1 on the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand at 3:11 a.m. Eastern. Space and defense and ASDNews both reported that the flight marked the 98th mission for the Electron launch vehicle. [1][3][4]

The dedicated mission deployed three formation-flying satellites into low Earth orbit, SatNews reported. The successful placement of Cluster 16 expanded HawkEye 360's operational radio frequency intelligence constellation to 39 spacecraft. [1]

The new satellites support a operational transition toward customer-dedicated orbital capacity, according to SatNews. Under multi-year commercial agreements, HawkEye 360 allocates cluster tasking windows to prioritize signal collection over specific geographic areas of interest for its clients. [1]

The Electron is a two-stage orbital launch vehicle designed to service the commercial small satellite market. Its Rutherford engines are the first electric-pump-fed engines to power an orbital rocket. As FTMQ Space reported earlier, the Cluster 16 flight was Rocket Lab's third dedicated launch for HawkEye 360. [8][10]