Rocket Lab prepares to launch Synspective EO satellite
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Dec 06, 2024

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has confirmed the launch window for its next Electron mission, which will deploy Synspective's latest Earth observation satellite. This mission is part of an ongoing collaboration aimed at expanding the Japanese company's synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation.

The mission, named "Owl The Way Up," is set to launch from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand. The launch window opens on December 18 (NZDT), corresponding to December 17 (UTC). The mission's primary payload is a single StriX satellite, one of 16 total satellites contracted by Synspective to fly on Rocket Lab's Electron rocket. Synspective's SAR technology is capable of detecting millimeter-level changes on the Earth's surface, serving applications such as disaster relief, agricultural development, and maritime monitoring.

This upcoming launch marks the sixth dedicated mission Rocket Lab has undertaken for Synspective since their partnership began in December 2020. Synspective has relied solely on Rocket Lab's Electron vehicle to build its constellation, taking advantage of dedicated launches that allow greater control over scheduling and mission customization.

Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, highlighted the strong partnership with Synspective: "As the sole launch provider for Synspective to date, we've developed an enduring relationship with their team built on trust and reliability across multiple Electron missions. By flying as the dedicated customer, rather than ridesharing, we've put Synspective in control of their launch schedule and mission parameters, affording them a level of control over their mission not traditionally afforded to small satellite operators. We're looking forward to placing another StriX satellite in orbit and supporting Synspective's vision to enable persistent monitoring of our planet to support disaster relief, agricultural development, maritime domain awareness and much more."

Rocket Lab has achieved a record 14 launches so far in 2024, surpassing its previous high of 10 missions in 2023. This milestone underscores the company's increasing operational cadence and growing role in supporting global satellite operators.

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