On Nov. 5, 2025 Rocket Lab completed its 74th Electron launch, deploying QPS‑SAR‑14 (nicknamed YACHIHOKO‑I) for Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS). The synthetic‑aperture radar satellite — the sixth in the QPS‑SAR constellation — was inserted into a ~575 km circular orbit.
Discovered |
Briefing
Deploys QPS‑SAR‑14 (YACHIHOKO‑I), the sixth satellite in iQPS's QPS‑SAR synthetic‑aperture radar constellation, to a ~575 km circular orbit on Rocket Lab's 74th Electron mission (Nov. 5, 2025).
Increases commercial SAR imaging capacity amid a flurry of radar launches, coming alongside Europe's Sentinel‑1D launch on Ariane 6, which collectively boost all‑weather imaging availability.
Signals Rocket Lab's push beyond single launches into constellation support and space systems as it sustains high launch tempo and pursues strategic moves such as its offer for Mynaric; this follows broader industry activity like ICEYE's radar microsatellite manufacturing expansion in India.
Reported By
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Rocket Lab launches 'The Nation God Navigates' from New Zealand to join Japan’s SAR constellation • Satellite News Network
Rocket Lab Deploys Sixth iQPS Earth‑Imaging Satellite on 74th Electron Mission • SpaceWatch Africa
Rocket Lab Deploys SAR Satellite YACHIHOKO‑I, Advancing iQPS Constellation Plans • aero-defence.tech
SpaceNews.com
• Jeff Foust
(ES) Rocket Lab successfully launched the sixth Earth-observation satellite for iQPS • actualidadaeroespacial.com
Rocket Lab’s 74th Electron Mission Deploys Sixth iQPS Earth‑Imaging Satellite • rocketlabcorp.com