Rocket Lab has signed a new multi-year agreement with the Japanese Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS), which provides three additional launches of Electron missiles from the New Zealand Launch Complex 1 starting with 2026 year. So, Rocket Lab becomes the main launch operator to group Radar Satellites QPS-SAR.
The new contract brings the number of future iQPS launches on Electron to seven, complementing the four missions already planned. Each flight will deliver one QPS-SAR satellite using the Motorized Lightband Separation System, which ensures high accuracy and reliability of deployment of devices.
Expanding collaboration showcases Rocket Lab's vertically integrated model, which covers both startup services, as well as the production of components of space systems, which makes it possible to shorten the mission preparation period and increase the efficiency of the iQPS program.
IN 2025 Rocket Lab successfully launched four QPS-SAR-9 - QPS-SAR-12 satellites, having fully completed the orbital tasks of the missions. This strengthened the confidence of the Japanese partner in the reliability of Electron.
The company is actively increasing production rates and has completed more than 20 launches of Electron in 2025 year. The next mission of the Japanese client is scheduled for November 2025 year.
Source: https://www.spacedaily.com