Rocket Lab launches 10th iQPS SAR satellite into orbit, prepares for June 2025 follow-up

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. marked another milestone in its commercial launch cadence on May 17, 2025, with the successful deployment of a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite for Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS). The mission, dubbed “The Sea God Sees,” lifted off from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand at 8:17 p.m. NZT, deploying the QPS-SAR-10 satellite into a 575km low Earth orbit. This launch represents the third overall mission completed by Rocket Lab for iQPS and the second under an eight-launch agreement spanning 2025 and 2026.

This rapid-fire execution underscores Rocket Lab’s increasing dominance in the small satellite launch market, as well as iQPS’ growing ambition to rapidly scale its Earth observation constellation. With the next launch already scheduled for no earlier than June 2025, both companies appear on track to deliver on a tightly compressed deployment plan aimed at transforming real-time Earth monitoring.

What Did Rocket Lab Launch for iQPS in May 2025?

The May 17 mission carried iQPS’ 10th satellite, QPS-SAR-10, into space. The spacecraft, nicknamed WADATSUMI-I, is part of a SAR-based Earth imaging constellation developed by iQPS. The satellite builds on the momentum of the March 15, 2025 launch of QPS-SAR-9 (SUSANOO-I), showing that iQPS is adhering to a monthly cadence for expanding its fleet. The Electron rocket delivered the payload with precision, reinforcing Rocket Lab’s reputation for orbital accuracy and responsiveness.

Rocket Lab has now launched all three iQPS missions to date with a 100% success rate in 2025. CEO Sir Peter Beck praised the team’s flawless execution, emphasizing that precise deployment is critical for constellation-based architectures that require seamless interoperation between satellites.

What Is iQPS and Why Are Its Satellites Important?

iQPS, short for Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, is a Fukuoka-based Japanese company developing a constellation of 36 SAR satellites. These compact spacecraft are designed to offer all-weather, high-frequency imaging capabilities that are vital for monitoring urban infrastructure, disaster zones, and geopolitical changes.

By leveraging synthetic aperture radar instead of optical systems, iQPS ensures round-the-clock imaging regardless of weather or light conditions—offering a critical data layer for industries such as defense, agriculture, and insurance. The goal is to eventually enable near-real-time Earth observation with revisit times as low as 10 minutes.

CEO Dr. Shunsuke Onishi highlighted the importance of Rocket Lab‘s ability to execute successive launches in such short intervals. He credited the “outstanding technical capabilities” of both companies’ teams and reiterated iQPS’ commitment to accelerating the buildout of its satellite network.

What’s the Timeline for the Next Rocket Lab-iQPS Mission?

Rocket Lab confirmed that the next mission for iQPS is scheduled for no earlier than June 2025. This upcoming flight will mark the fourth in the multi-launch agreement, which includes a total of eight missions—six slated for 2025 and two planned for 2026.

With two launches already completed within a span of two months, Rocket Lab is demonstrating an ability to scale operations for high-cadence commercial satellite deployment. Four additional iQPS missions are expected before the end of 2025. This intense schedule reflects both companies’ alignment in pursuing aggressive growth in the Earth observation market.

Rocket Lab’s ability to maintain this tempo strengthens its appeal to constellation operators seeking fast, dependable access to orbit without the long queues and batch manifests often seen in larger rideshare models.

How Does Rocket Lab Compare to SpaceX in the Small Satellite Market?

While SpaceX commands attention with its high-capacity Falcon 9 rideshares, Rocket Lab’s Electron fills a vital niche for customers who prioritize orbital precision, mission customization, and rapid scheduling. Unlike Falcon 9, which often requires customers to wait for rideshare aggregation, Electron enables dedicated launches tailored to specific orbital parameters and deployment timelines.

Rocket Lab’s multi-launch agreement with iQPS exemplifies its value proposition: timely, dedicated small satellite access with minimal compromises. While Falcon 9 offers superior payload capacity and price-per-kilogram efficiency, Electron is favored by companies needing nimble, point-to-point service.

Rocket Lab also has its sights set on larger payload markets with the upcoming Neutron launch vehicle, currently in development. Once operational, Neutron is expected to compete more directly with medium-lift rockets, further blurring the lines between Rocket Lab’s agile model and SpaceX’s high-throughput ecosystem.

Rocket Lab’s Commercial Growth and Strategic Positioning

Since its debut orbital flight in 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually. With over 200 satellites deployed to orbit, the company has grown beyond a pure-play launch provider. Its vertically integrated model includes satellite components, manufacturing, on-orbit operations, and end-to-end mission planning.

The company’s Photon platform, selected for NASA Moon and Mars missions, and the anticipated Neutron launch vehicle, are both strategic pivots toward deeper involvement in interplanetary and constellation-scale projects. In parallel, Rocket Lab’s facility expansion in the U.S. with a Virginia launch pad adds geographical flexibility and resilience to its operations.

iQPS is not Rocket Lab’s only repeat customer. The company continues to secure contracts with NASA, U.S. defense agencies, and commercial space firms, indicating a robust and diversified revenue pipeline.

Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) has faced investor scrutiny in recent quarters due to broader market pressure on space stocks and capital-intensive hardware ventures. However, the consistency of its launch cadence in 2025—especially across multiple clients—could improve sentiment among long-term holders.

Successful execution of the iQPS series may position Rocket Lab as the go-to partner for emerging constellation operators globally. Institutional interest is expected to grow if the company can deliver Neutron on schedule and continue expanding its vertical integration footprint.

Rocket Lab’s alignment with high-frequency satellite operators such as iQPS provides a repeatable business model. If executed well, this could serve as a hedge against the lumpy revenue nature of one-off missions and support stronger quarterly earnings visibility.