Rocket Lab wraps up 2024 with Synspective satellite launch, achieves 60% growth in missions

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has concluded a record-setting year with the successful launch of its 16th mission, deploying a satellite for Synspective, a Japanese operator of Earth observation satellites equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology. The mission, named “Owl The Way Up,” lifted off from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, on 22 December 2024. This marked the sixth deployment for Synspective aboard Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket and highlighted the expanding capabilities of the launch provider in supporting advanced satellite constellations.

The satellite, part of Synspective’s growing StriX constellation, will bolster the company’s ability to deliver high-resolution imagery of Earth’s surface, offering applications in disaster management, infrastructure monitoring, and environmental assessment. The mission represents Rocket Lab’s increasing dominance in the small-launch sector, backed by a flawless track record of 100% mission success in 2024.

What Sets Synspective’s SAR Technology Apart?

Synspective’s StriX satellites utilize advanced SAR sensors capable of capturing precise Earth imagery, regardless of weather conditions or time of day. Unlike optical satellites that can be hindered by cloud cover or darkness, SAR technology operates through radar signals, allowing persistent monitoring and detection of surface changes with millimetre-level precision.

These capabilities have positioned Synspective as a key player in critical sectors, including disaster response and climate change monitoring. The satellites provide actionable data that can:

Support infrastructure resilience by detecting anomalies in roads, railways, and energy systems.

Assist agricultural industries with crop analysis and soil health monitoring.

Enhance maritime domain awareness and border security through consistent surveillance.

Deliver rapid assessments following natural disasters such as floods, landslides, or volcanic eruptions.

By deploying six StriX satellites to date, Rocket Lab has become an essential partner in Synspective’s mission to provide reliable, actionable Earth observation data.

Rocket Lab’s Record Year: Breaking Barriers in Space Access

Rocket Lab’s 2024 performance underscores its emergence as a leader in the global small-launch market. With 16 successful missions, the company achieved a remarkable 60% year-on-year increase in its launch cadence, surpassing its previous record of 10 launches in 2023. This growth reflects the increasing demand for reliable, cost-effective launch services among commercial operators and government agencies.

CEO Sir Peter Beck highlighted the company’s accomplishments in a statement, noting that Rocket Lab not only supported high-profile missions for NASA and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) but also set industry-first milestones. Among these was a groundbreaking feat of launching two missions from two hemispheres within 24 hours, demonstrating unprecedented operational efficiency and scalability.

The company’s expansion extends beyond its flagship Electron rocket. With the Neutron medium-lift vehicle slated for debut in 2025, Rocket Lab is targeting larger payloads and constellation deployments, positioning itself as a comprehensive space solutions provider.

Synspective and Rocket Lab: A Partnership Driving Innovation

Since 2020, Rocket Lab has been the sole launch provider for Synspective, deploying all of its satellites to date. This partnership exemplifies the growing synergy between satellite operators and launch providers in advancing Earth observation technologies.

For Synspective, Rocket Lab’s reliable launch services enable a streamlined approach to building its StriX constellation, which is pivotal in delivering high-value data for global applications. Synspective’s satellites are already contributing to disaster management strategies, urban planning, and environmental sustainability efforts, making the partnership integral to achieving broader societal and technological goals.

What’s Next for Rocket Lab in 2025?

As Rocket Lab looks ahead, the company aims to scale its launch capabilities further, with missions already scheduled for early 2025. The Neutron rocket‘s introduction is expected to open new opportunities in the medium-lift market, complementing Electron’s established presence as one of the most frequently launched small rockets in the world.

The company’s end-to-end space solutions, including satellite manufacturing and on-orbit management, position it uniquely to meet evolving industry needs. With a robust launch record, diverse customer base, and expanding capabilities, Rocket Lab is poised to remain a key player in the rapidly growing space economy.