Second Multi-Launch Deal Reached Between Rocket Lab, iQPS
Secures Eight Electron Missions for Constellation Deployment
One of its largest Electron launch agreements to date has been reached between Rocket Lab and iQPS ... a second multi-launch deal with the Japan-based Earth imaging company.
"This contract brings us one step closer to building our satellite constellation over the next two years, and we remain fully committed to making this vision a reality.”
Dr. Shunsuke Onishi, iQPS
This newly-signed deal follows an earlier multi-launch contract signed with Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS) in 2024 and brings the total number of booked dedicated Electron launches for iQPS to eight. Across both bulk orders, six missions are scheduled for launch in 2025 and two in 2026. These follow on from Rocket Lab’s first launch for iQPS in December 2023 which successfully deployed the QPS-SAR-5 satellite “TSUKUYOMI-I” to orbit. The new deal is one of the largest Electron launch agreements to date, second only to Rocket Lab’s ten launch deal with another Japanese constellation operator, Synspective, signed last year.
Each Electron launch supports the build out of iQPS’ planned constellation of 36 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites capable of imaging the Earth, day and night and through any weather, to provide near real-time observation data for almost any location in the world. By launching as the sole customer on each Electron mission, iQPS has greater control over launch schedule, orbit, and other mission parameters compared with rideshare launch options, enabling iQPS to maximize the full capacity of iQPS’ constellation through tailored and precise orbits.
“Precise constellation build-out on a tailored timeline is Electron’s strength. We know precise orbital positioning is critical to every Earth imaging mission, making it highly sought after by constellation operators," said Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck. "This demand is reflected in the many multi-launch contracts that we continue to sign with return constellation operators like iQPS. We are honored to be partnering with iQPS once again to deliver this capability.”
“We are delighted and grateful to announce an additional launch contract for four more satellites on Electron, following our previous announcement," said iQPS CEO Dr. Shunsuke Onishi. "Electron’s high launch frequency and reliability make it an ideal choice for our mission, and securing this opportunity at such an early stage is truly exciting. This contract brings us one step closer to building our satellite constellation over the next two years, and we remain fully committed to making this vision a reality.”
The next Electron mission for iQPS is scheduled to launch as soon as March 2025. Full details about the launch will be made available closer to launch day.