Private Japanese satellite successfully launched into orbit by Rocket Lab in New Zealand (video)
In a significant step forward for Earth observation technology, Rocket Lab launched the QPS-SAR-12 satellite for Japanese Earth-imaging company iQPS early Tuesday morning (Aug. 5) from their New Zealand site. The launch marked the 69th overall flight for the Electron rocket.
The QPS-SAR-12 satellite, part of iQPS's plan to operate a constellation of 36 satellites, was successfully deployed into a circular orbit 357 miles (575 kilometers) above Earth. The story was updated again at 1:30 a.m. ET with news of successful satellite deployment.
The QPS-SAR constellation, as highlighted by Rocket Lab, has the potential to revolutionize industries and reshape the future by providing continuous, high-resolution, all-weather, day-and-night Earth observation data. This SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellite fleet enables valuable insights particularly for agriculture, urban security, and other critical sectors.
In agriculture, SAR data supports monitoring of crops and harvests regardless of weather or lighting conditions, improving yield predictions and resource management. The constellation's satellites bear names linked to agricultural themes (e.g., QPS-SAR-12 nicknamed “KUSHINADA-I,” the Japanese goddess of harvest), underscoring this focus.
All-weather, 24/7 radar imaging enhances urban planning, disaster response, and security by providing reliable and frequent Earth observation data. As the constellation grows, the frequency and quantity of data improve, accelerating efforts to apply satellite insights across more fields and applications, accelerating innovation and decision-making processes.
Rocket Lab’s repeated, precise launches using their Electron rocket demonstrate reliable deployment capabilities essential for building and scaling this constellation, boosting confidence in sustained access to space and thus continuous service expansion.
In addition to the QPS-SAR constellation, Rocket Lab is also developing a larger rocket called Neutron. Neutron could debut later this year, further expanding their capabilities in the space industry. The company also operates a suborbital version of Electron called HASTE, which serves as a testbed for hypersonic technology.
This launch marks another successful collaboration between Rocket Lab and iQPS, with the fifth mission for iQPS named "The Harvest Goddess Thrives." The Electron rocket carried the QPS-SAR-12 satellite to space, continuing to demonstrate the reliability and efficiency of Rocket Lab's launch services.
[1] iQPS. (n.d.). QPS-SAR Constellation. Retrieved from https://www.iqps.co.jp/en/qps-sar/
[2] Rocket Lab. (n.d.). QPS-SAR-12 Mission. Retrieved from https://www.rocketlabusa.com/launch/qps-sar-12
[3] Rocket Lab. (n.d.). Electron. Retrieved from https://www.rocketlabusa.com/rocket/electron/
- The successful deployment of the QPS-SAR-12 satellite into Earth orbit marks a significant step forward for technology, notably in the realm of Earth observation and space-and-astronomy.
- The QPS-SAR constellation, comprising 36 satellites, is poised to revolutionize various industries by providing continuous, high-resolution, all-weather, day-and-night Earth observation data for applications such as agriculture, urban security, science, and culture.
- The QPS-SAR-12 satellite, specifically, supports agriculture by enabling crop and harvest monitoring under any weather or lighting condition, thereby improving crop yield predictions and resource management.
- The relationship between Rocket Lab and iQPS continues to thrive, as demonstrated by their fifth collaboration, titled "The Harvest Goddess Thrives," emphasizing their dedication to delivering reliable and efficient launch services for the advancement of technology and satellite-derived insights.
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