Rocket Lab-Launched Satellites to Help Ukraine in War Against Russia
- On May 17, 2025, Rocket Lab successfully completed its third launch on behalf of the Japanese organization iQPS, deploying the QPS-SAR-10 satellite into orbit from Mahia, New Zealand.
- This launch follows a multi-mission contract to deploy eight SAR imaging satellites supporting iQPS's expanding Earth observation constellation.
- QPS-SAR-10, named WADATSUMI-I, uses synthetic aperture radar to provide persistent imaging unaffected by clouds or darkness, aiding national security and scientific research.
- Sir Peter Beck, CEO of Rocket Lab, commended the Electron team for their accurate and reliable orbital deployment, while Dr. Shunsuke Onishi, CEO of iQPS, described the launch as an important achievement highlighting their development team's technical expertise.
- This mission underlines growing demand for frequent, reliable small satellite launches, enabling responsive constellation growth and enhancing Japan's role in commercial space activity.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Japan's iQPS lines up eight SAR launches
ST. LOUIS — Japan’s Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, iQPS, plans to launch eight additional synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites through the end of 2026. Rocket Lab, the U.S. launch […] The post Japan’s iQPS lines up eight SAR launches appeared first on SpaceNews.

Rocket Lab Successfully Launches Third Mission for iQPS in Multi-Launch Contract, Sets Schedule For the Next iQPS Mission
MAHIA, New Zealand--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 17, 2025-
Third Mission for iQPS Launched by Rocket Lab
The third mission for Japanese customer Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS) has been launched by Rocket Lab. ‘The Sea God Sees’ mission carried iQPS’ QPS-SAR-10, a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Earth-imaging satellite, to a 575km (≈350 mile) low Earth orbit, where it was deployed as part of iQPS’ growing constellation. “Constellation deployment requires a reliable rocket with pinpoint orbital deployment accuracy that allows for t…
#Rocket Lab Soars on Success, But Faces Financial Headwinds,
'Rocket Lab's Recent Launch and Financial Performance: A Balanced Perspective' On May 17, 2025, Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) marked a significant milestone by successfully completing its third mission for the Japanese Institute for Qshu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS). The mission, aptly named Sea God Sees, took flight from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, at 8:17 p.m. NZT. This launch is particularly noteworthy as it con…
Rocket Lab Launch of Japan's iQPS Earth Observation Satellite in New Zealand
Rocket Lab Launch of Japan's iQPS Earth Observation Satellite in New ZealandRocket Lab USA, Inc. successfully launched its third mission for Japanese customer, Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS). ‘The Sea God Sees’ mission successfully launched on an Electron rocket from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand at 8:17 p.m. on May 17th, 2025. The mission carried iQPS’ QPS-SAR-10, a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Earth-im…
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