Rocket Lab Launches Synspective’s New Satellite
In Las Vegas, Rocket Lab successfully launched Synspective’s latest radar imaging satellite.
The Electron rocket took off from Launch Complex 1’s Pad B at 9:39 a.m. Eastern. About an hour later, it deployed the StriX satellite into a 543-kilometer orbit inclined at 43 degrees.
This is Synspective’s fifth SAR satellite, marking their first of a third generation with enhanced sensors. “The upgraded synthetic aperture radar sensor will provide images with even higher resolution and wide-area imaging,” said Toshihiro Obata, the company’s tech strategy head, though details weren’t shared.
This satellite is unique for Synspective as it orbits in mid-inclination instead of the usual sun-synchronous orbit. This change allows more frequent and varied imaging of low- and mid-latitude regions but limits high-latitude observations.
Since 2020, all Synspective satellites have been launched on Electrons. A sixth launch is planned for this year, with ten more set from 2025 to 2027. This contract, announced on June 17, is Rocket Lab’s biggest single launch deal yet.
Just after the contract announcement, Synspective revealed they raised 7 billion yen ($48 million) in a Series C funding round. This money will help them mass-produce satellites, aiming for 30 by decade’s end.
“It’s wonderful to have launched our second mission for Synspective in five months as we continue our longstanding launch partnership,” stated Peter Beck, Rocket Lab’s CEO. “Electron is the ideal rocket for providing flexible, tailored and direct access to orbit for constellation builders like Synspective.”
People like the teamwork between these two companies.
Originally, Capella Space was supposed to use this Electron launch. They planned to send up an Acadia spacecraft on July 20 but delayed for further tests.
This was Rocket Lab’s ninth launch this year, close to their record of ten in a year. However, they might not hit their goal of 22 launches due to customer delays.
Rocket Lab will share its second-quarter financial results after markets close on August 8.
