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Highlights

  • Rocket Lab signs deal with iQPS for three additional dedicated Electron launches.
  • Each mission is set to launch one SAR satellite using Rocket Lab’s satellite separation system.
  • iQPS total planned Electron launches now reach seven for its Earth-imaging constellation.

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (NASDAQ:RKLB) has signed a multi-launch agreement with the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS) for three dedicated Electron launches, scheduled to occur from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand no earlier than 2026.

This agreement comes after iQPS completed four dedicated Electron launches earlier in 2025, bringing the total upcoming missions with Rocket Lab to seven. Each mission will place a single synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite into orbit using Rocket Lab’s Motorized Lightband deployment system. This integration of launch and spacecraft systems is intended to improve operational efficiency and deployment reliability.

Management Statements

Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck said:

“We’re proud to be expanding our partnership with iQPS to deliver their QPS-SAR satellites to orbit. By choosing both Electron and our separation systems to deploy their satellites, iQPS takes advantage of a highly-integrated launch service that maximizes reliability and streamlines operations for faster access to space to grow their constellation. It’s a privilege to continue to deliver this for iQPS across our missions to date and the ones to come.”

iQPS CEO Dr. Shunsuke Onishi added:

“In 2025, we successfully deployed four satellites, QPS-SAR-9 through QPS-SAR-12, into their planned orbits aboard Electron. This outcome was exactly as we had anticipated, and it further reaffirmed our confidence in the rocket’s reliability. We are very pleased to have now signed an additional contract for the launch of three more satellites on Electron. This agreement marks an important step toward the realization of our QPS-SAR constellation. We will continue to make steady progress with unwavering dedication to achieving this goal.”

Electron Launch Program and iQPS Operations

Rocket Lab has increased production and launch frequency to accommodate rising demand for the Electron vehicle, targeting more than 20 launches in 2025. Earlier in the year, the company completed four launches for iQPS, including two back-to-back missions within four weeks between May and June.

The three new launches are scheduled to begin in November 2025, with additional details to be provided closer to the launch dates. Each mission will use Rocket Lab’s separation systems to deploy satellites efficiently.

Founded in 2005, iQPS operates in Japan’s Kyushu region and specializes in small satellite constellations. Leveraging more than 20 years of technology from Kyushu University, the company combines the expertise of emerging engineers and industrial partners with emeritus professors. iQPS works with over 25 regional partners to support its operations and expand its Earth-imaging capabilities.

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab provides launch solutions, satellites, payload delivery, and spacecraft components for commercial, government, and defense sectors.