File photo. A Rocket Lab launch in May 2024. Photo: Rocket Lab / Supplied
Rocket Lab has completed its 16th and final launch of the year, deploying a small radar satellite for Japan-based Synspective.
The launch on Sunday marked a 60 percent increase on its previous record of 10 launches in 2023.
Rocket Lab said the satellite can observe the Earth's surface in any weather condition, day or night, and was suitable for persistent monitoring of disasters and detailed changes to secure critical infrastructure and other facilities.
"We look forward to continuing to increase our launch cadence in the new year as we strengthen Electron's position as the leading small rocket globally, and also enter the medium launch market with Neutron's debut," Rocket Lab chief executive Sir Peter Beck said.
Rocket Lab has completed a total of 58 launches since Electron launches began in 2017.
It was its sixth for Synspective since 2020, with the next Electron launch scheduled in the first quarter of 2025.
