Rocket Lab Launches Sixth iQPS Satellite
A Rocket Lab Electron rocket successfully launched a radar imaging satellite for the Japanese company iQPS in November. The Electron lifted off from Pad B at Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 2:51 p.m.
The satellite, named QPS-SAR-14 and also known as Yachihoko-I, was deployed from the Electron kick stage 50 minutes after liftoff into a 575-kilometer orbit with a 42-degree inclination.
Contact with the satellite was established 35 minutes after deployment. iQPS reported that the satellite later deployed a parabolic antenna for its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payload.
Ongoing iQPS Launch Program
This launch marked the sixth iQPS satellite sent into orbit aboard an Electron rocket, including five launches in the current year. An additional six satellites are planned for future launches on Electron, with three coming from a contract announced last month.
Besides Rocket Lab, iQPS satellites have also flown on SpaceX rideshare missions.
Statements from iQPS and Rocket Lab Executives
“This milestone reflects the steady advancement of our technology and the growth of our team,” said Shunsuke Onishi, chief executive of iQPS. “With this success, we move closer to realizing our vision of near real-time Earth observation and delivering greater value to society.”
“This latest mission for iQPS once again demonstrates the pinpoint accuracy our customers depend on to grow their constellations, and we’re grateful to the iQPS team for trusting us with their launch needs,” said Peter Beck, chief executive of Rocket Lab.
Summary
This launch underlines iQPS’s progress in deploying radar satellites and Rocket Lab’s role in providing reliable launch services to support expanding Earth observation networks.