- Rocket Lab (RKLB, Financial) is set to launch its third Electron rocket in 24 days for iQPS.
- 'The Mountain God Guards' mission will deploy QPS-SAR-11, a synthetic aperture radar satellite.
- This launch marks Rocket Lab's eighth mission of 2025 and the 66th Electron launch overall.
Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB), a leading provider of launch services and space systems, has announced the launch window for its upcoming mission for Japan-based Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS). The mission, named 'The Mountain God Guards,' is scheduled to launch from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, with the launch window opening on June 10, 2025. This marks an accelerated series of launches, being the third Electron mission in just 24 days for the company.
The mission involves deploying a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging satellite, QPS-SAR-11, also known as YAMATSUMI-I, named after the Japanese god of mountains. The satellite will be placed into a 575 km circular Earth orbit and will enhance iQPS's ability to provide high-resolution images and Earth monitoring services worldwide.
This launch is part of Rocket Lab's ongoing commitment to provide dedicated and reliable access to space for small satellite constellation operators. It is the fourth dedicated launch for iQPS, following the successful deployment of 'The Lightning God Reigns' and 'The Sea God Sees' missions earlier this year. Overall, Rocket Lab has launched three successful Electron missions for iQPS as part of a contract encompassing eight launches across 2025 and 2026.
The upcoming mission 'The Mountain God Guards' will be Rocket Lab's eighth mission of the year and its 66th Electron launch to date, bringing the total number of satellites delivered by Electron to 227 since its first launch in 2018. Rocket Lab continues to expand its operational footprint and capabilities, cementing its role as a pivotal player in the space industry.
