August 5, 2025, 04:10 UTC
MAHIA, NEW ZEALAND – In a display of its consistent launch cadence and dedication to small satellite deployment, Rocket Lab has successfully launched a private Japanese synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite into orbit. The mission, named “The Harvest Goddess Thrives,” marks the 69th flight of the company’s Electron rocket and its 11th mission of 2025. The launch took place on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 on the Mahia Peninsula of New Zealand.
A Mission for Earth Observation
The primary objective of the mission was to deploy the QPS-SAR-12 satellite, nicknamed “Kushinada-I,” for the Japanese Earth-imaging company, Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS). The name “Kushinada-I” is a nod to a Japanese goddess of harvest and prosperity, a fitting tribute for a satellite designed to provide valuable data for a variety of industries.
The Electron rocket performed flawlessly, lifting off from the launch pad and ascending into the sky. Approximately 54 minutes after launch, the rocket’s Kick Stage successfully deployed the QPS-SAR-12 satellite into a circular orbit at an altitude of 575 kilometers. This successful deployment is a significant milestone for iQPS, as the satellite will join the company’s growing constellation of SAR spacecraft.
The Power of Synthetic Aperture Radar
SAR satellites like Kushinada-I are a crucial tool for modern Earth observation. Unlike traditional optical satellites that rely on sunlight, SAR technology uses radio waves to create detailed images of the Earth’s surface. This allows them to operate effectively day or night and in all weather conditions, including through cloud cover.
The data collected by the iQPS constellation has the potential to revolutionize various industries. The high-resolution imagery and Earth-monitoring services can be used for everything from tracking moving objects to providing predictive analytics for agriculture, urban safety and security, and national economies. By integrating this data with weather and economic information, iQPS aims to unlock new economic value and enhance global monitoring capabilities.
A Partnership Built on Success
“The Harvest Goddess Thrives” represents the fifth mission Rocket Lab has launched for iQPS, solidifying a strong partnership between the two companies. Rocket Lab’s Electron has become the most prolific launcher for the iQPS constellation, a testament to the rocket’s reliability and the precision of its deployments. Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, highlighted this success, stating, “Every Electron launch is a demonstration of payload deployment precision for our customers—an especially critical element when scaling satellite constellations. Today’s fifth and flawless deployment for iQPS once again underscores Electron’s reliability and continues to prove that consistent tailored access to space is a reality on Electron for our customers.”
Dr. Shunsuke Onishi, CEO of iQPS, also expressed gratitude and confidence in the partnership, saying, “Building a satellite constellation requires both timely development and manufacturing, as well as highly precise launch execution. We are deeply grateful to both our team and the Rocket Lab team for their continued dedication in making this possible. As the number of satellites increases, so too does the frequency and value of the data we are able to provide.”
Looking to the Future
With this successful launch, Rocket Lab continues to demonstrate its leadership in the small satellite launch market. The company has maintained a 100% mission success rate for all Electron launches this year, and is actively increasing its launch cadence. The company has four more dedicated iQPS missions scheduled to launch on Electron through the remainder of this year and into 2026. This consistent performance further strengthens Rocket Lab’s position in the global space industry as it also prepares for the anticipated debut of its medium-lift reusable Neutron rocket. The successful deployment of Kushinada-I not only advances iQPS’s mission to build a comprehensive Earth observation constellation but also underscores Rocket Lab’s pivotal role in enabling a new era of commercial space activities
