Rocket Lab Successfully Launches Third iQPS Satellite in Three Months

On June 11, 2025, Rocket Lab executed a successful launch of the radar imaging satellite QPS-SAR-11 for the Japanese company iQPS, marking the third satellite deployment for this customer within a three-month period. The Electron rocket lifted off from Launch Complex 1, Pad A, in New Zealand at 11:31 a.m. Eastern Time, and approximately one hour later, Rocket Lab confirmed the successful deployment of the satellite into a circular orbit at an altitude of 575 kilometers and an inclination of 42 degrees.

According to iQPS, contact with the satellite was established 35 minutes post-deployment, confirming that it was functioning as intended. This launch adds to the growing constellation of satellites developed by iQPS, officially known as the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space. The company currently operates eight satellites, with ambitions to expand this constellation to 24 satellites by 2027 and eventually to 36.

The June 11 launch follows two earlier missions in March and May of this year, which were also dedicated to deploying iQPS satellites. Notably, this latest launch is part of a multi-launch contract that entails a total of eight launches scheduled to continue through 2026. Rocket Lab has now completed eight launches in 2025, with two occurring in consecutive weeks, including a recent mission on June 2 that delivered a satellite for BlackSky.

Rocket Lab’s success in launching satellites for various companies reflects a growing trend in the commercial space sector. Alongside iQPS, the company has also conducted launches for firms such as the Japanese radar imaging company Synspective, the French Internet-of-Things company Kinéis, and the German wildfire tracking company OroraTech.

Rocket Lab's executives have previously indicated a goal of conducting over 20 Electron launches throughout 2025, which includes missions for the HASTE suborbital variant of the Electron rocket. With the expectation of ramping up launch activity in the latter half of the year, Rocket Lab continues to solidify its position within the burgeoning commercial space industry.

This ongoing momentum in satellite launches not only illustrates Rocket Lab’s capabilities but also highlights the increasing reliance on satellite technology for various applications, ranging from Earth observation to telecommunications. As companies like iQPS expand their satellite constellations, the implications for industries reliant on satellite data are significant, potentially fostering advancements in agricultural monitoring, disaster management, and environmental surveillance.

The continued collaboration between Rocket Lab and iQPS is indicative of the broader dynamics in the commercial space sector, where partnerships and multi-launch agreements are becoming increasingly pivotal for companies aiming to deploy extensive satellite networks efficiently. As the demand for satellite-based services grows, Rocket Lab’s strategic moves may set a precedent for future endeavors in the aerospace industry.