Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
WASHINGTON — Rocket Lab successfully executed another launch in its ongoing series of radar imaging satellites for a Japanese firm on May 17. The mission highlights the growing demand for dedicated launches to deploy synthetic aperture radar (SAR) constellations with precision. Featuring the QPS-SAR-10 satellite, the launch demonstrates Rocket Lab’s capability in providing tailored orbital deployment solutions.
Successful Launch for iQPS
A Rocket Lab Electron rocket soared from Launch Complex 1, Pad A, in New Zealand at 4:17 a.m. Eastern time. Approximately 50 minutes later, it successfully released its payload, the QPS-SAR-10 satellite, into a 575-kilometer circular orbit at a 42-degree inclination.
Details of the Satellite Deployment
The QPS-SAR-10 satellite, constructed by the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS), is part of a planned constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging satellites. This mission marks the third Electron launch for iQPS and the second under a multi-launch agreement, following a previous launch in mid-March.
iQPS Constellation Expansion Plans
The deployed satellite is the tenth overall for iQPS. However, an initial satellite experienced a malfunction shortly after its deployment, and two additional satellites were lost in an Epsilon rocket failure in 2022. The company aims to expand its constellation to 24 satellites by 2027, with a long-term goal of 36 spacecraft.
Executive Perspectives
“With more Electron launches scheduled, we are increasingly dedicated to accelerating the establishment of our satellite constellation, and we anticipate continuing this robust partnership,” stated Shunsuke Onishi, CEO of iQPS, in a post-launch statement.
Future Launches
The agreement between iQPS and Rocket Lab includes six further Electron missions:
- Four in 2025
- Two in 2026
Rocket Lab announced that the next launch is planned for June, immediately following the recent mission.
Strategic Advantages of Dedicated Launches
Rocket Lab emphasizes that the iQPS contract illustrates its capacity to facilitate small satellite constellation deployments, allowing customers to access specific orbits and maintain control over deployment schedules. The company contends that rideshare programs, such as SpaceX’s Transporter and Bandwagon missions, cannot offer this level of customization.
Peter Beck, CEO of Rocket Lab, commented in April, “We have many clients who initially opt for a Transporter mission, but eventually return to book their entire constellation deployment with us.”
Financial Insights
During an earnings call on May 8, Rocket Lab indicated a slight decrease in the average selling price (ASP) of Electron launches. This was attributed to the contract mix for the vehicle’s launches during the quarter, including multi-launch agreements.
Adam Spice, Rocket Lab’s CFO, noted, “We have volume launch agreements with relatively aggressive pricing due to clients making long-term volume commitments. Our existing backlog for both Electron and HASTE missions supports ASP increases, albeit with some quarterly variability,” he added, noting that some customers have stringent mission assurance demands or other specific requirements. HASTE is a suborbital version of Electron used for demonstration flights. “We project that the ASP for the 2025 calendar year will markedly increase compared to 2024.”
Launch Cadence
This mission marked the sixth Electron launch of the year. The company has committed to completing at least 20 Electron launches overall. Spice projected an increased launch frequency in the latter half of the year.