On March 28, 2026, Rocket Lab launched its 85th vehicle from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. The mission, named Daughter Of The Stars, placed the European Space Agency’s Celeste navigation demonstration satellites into a 510‑km low‑Earth orbit.
The launch marks Rocket Lab’s first dedicated mission for ESA, expanding the company’s customer base to include a major European space agency and underscoring its growing reputation as a reliable launch provider.
Rocket Lab has maintained a high launch cadence, with six missions already in 2026, demonstrating the company’s ability to execute multiple launches in a short period. The 85th launch continues a streak of 100% mission success for national space programs.
ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher praised the mission, noting that Celeste will demonstrate how a low‑Earth orbit navigation constellation can complement Europe’s Galileo system. ESA’s Director of Navigation, Francisco‑Javier Benedicto Ruiz, highlighted the mission’s role in enhancing resilience and robustness of European navigation services.
Investors reacted cautiously to the announcement, with the market focusing on broader sentiment and the company’s future growth trajectory. Analysts noted that while the launch is a milestone, attention remains on Rocket Lab’s upcoming Neutron vehicle, capital‑raising activities, and overall market conditions.
The successful launch and ESA contract provide a tailwind for Rocket Lab’s expansion into the European market, but the negative market reaction signals that investors are weighing potential headwinds such as capital structure and future vehicle development timelines. The company’s backlog exceeding $2 billion and guidance for 2026 revenue of $185‑200 million suggest confidence in continued growth, though the market remains attentive to how Rocket Lab balances operational success with financial strategy.
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