- Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (RKLB, Financial) successfully launches third mission for iQPS, deploying the QPS-SAR-10 satellite.
- The mission is part of a multi-launch contract for eight missions with four more scheduled for 2025.
- The next iQPS mission is set for launch in June 2025, demonstrating Rocket Lab's rapid launch capabilities.
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (RKLB), a prominent name in launch services and space systems, has successfully completed its third mission for the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS). The mission, named ‘The Sea God Sees,’ was launched from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 located in Mahia, New Zealand at 8:17 p.m. NZT on May 17th, 2025. This launch successfully deployed the QPS-SAR-10, a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Earth-imaging satellite, into a 575 km low Earth orbit. This deployment marks the latest addition to iQPS's expanding satellite constellation.
This mission is significant as part of a multi-launch contract with iQPS that includes a total of eight launches, with four more planned for 2025 and the remaining two set for 2026. Rocket Lab's next launch for iQPS is anticipated in June 2025, highlighting the company's capability to provide frequent and reliable launch services.
Sir Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, praised the successful launch, pointing out the precision and reliability of the Electron rocket in deploying iQPS's constellation satellites. Dr. Shunsuke Onishi, CEO of iQPS, expressed gratitude towards Rocket Lab for their agile and precise launch capabilities, which enable the rapid expansion of their satellite network. This partnership underscores both companies' commitment to advancing satellite constellation deployment.
