News

Japanese Earth imaging company iQPS has selected Rocket Lab to launch its QPS-SAR-5 satellite, named “TSUKUYOMI-I.” The mission is scheduled for September, and comes after iQPS had initially contracted Virgin Orbit for the launch, but due to the latter’s closure, they switched to Rocket Lab.

The upcoming mission, named “The Moon God Awakens,” pays homage to Tsukuyomi, the Japanese God of the Moon. QPS-SAR-5 is a synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) satellite that will be added to the existing QPS-SAR-6 constellation in orbit.

CEO of iQPS, Dr. Shunsuke Onishi, expressed gratitude towards Rocket Lab and their team for their efforts in facilitating the new launch contract. The partnership is significant as it allows iQPS to quickly deploy satellites into orbit and develop a 36-QPS-SAR constellation, enabling near real-time observation across the globe.

This collaboration showcases Rocket Lab’s capabilities as a reliable mission provider for Earth imaging companies like iQPS. By leveraging Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle, iQPS is able to continue its satellite deployment plans without delay.

The QPS-SAR-5 satellite is equipped with synthetic-aperture radar technology, which offers high-resolution imaging capabilities. It will join the existing constellation to enhance iQPS’ observation capabilities worldwide. The near real-time observation provided by the constellation will assist in various applications, such as environmental monitoring, disaster management, and urban planning.

With this partnership, iQPS aims to strengthen its position in the Earth imaging industry by expanding its satellite network for improved coverage and faster data acquisition. Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has proved to be a reliable option for companies seeking efficient access to space for their satellite missions.

The launch of QPS-SAR-5 marks a significant milestone for iQPS as they make their first mission with Rocket Lab. This collaboration paves the way for future endeavors in the rapidly evolving Earth imaging sector, as companies continue to explore innovative solutions for global observation and data acquisition.

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