Rocket Lab is preparing for its next Electron launch, “The Sea God Sees,” scheduled for 17 May 2025. The mission will carry QPS-SAR-10, a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite developed by Japanese startup iQPS. Liftoff is set for 08:15 UTC from Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula, targeting a 575-kilometre orbit.
“The Sea God Sees Mission” Launched
Updated on 19th May
Rocket Lab successfully launched a Japanese radar imaging satellite on 17th May, sending the QPS-SAR-10 into a 575-kilometre orbit aboard an Electron rocket from New Zealand.
Building Out a Satellite Constellation
QPS-SAR-10, also named WADATSUMI-I after a sea god in Japanese mythology, is part of iQPS’s growing constellation of compact radar satellites. These spacecraft use radar instead of optical imaging, allowing them to observe Earth regardless of weather or lighting. Once deployed, WADATSUMI-I will add another high-resolution radar eye to the constellation, providing data for industries ranging from agriculture to emergency response.
The launch is the second of eight dedicated Electron missions under a multi-launch deal between Rocket Lab and iQPS, announced in 2023. It follows the successful March deployment of QPS-SAR-9 and marks the third time iQPS has flown on Electron. With each launch, the Fukuoka-based company moves closer to its goal of operating a 36-satellite constellation.
Electron’s Growing Cadence
This will be Rocket Lab’s sixth mission of 2025 and its 64th overall using the Electron vehicle. The mission reflects the company’s capacity to deliver satellites on tight timelines and specific orbits. The back-to-back launches for iQPS also demonstrate the value of dedicated small launch services for operators building out fleets.
Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck recently noted that every Electron mission this year has served constellation clients. He described the ongoing work with iQPS as a strong example of how responsive launch capability supports commercial growth in Earth observation.
Focused on Maritime and Earth Observation
WADATSUMI-I will begin operations shortly after reaching orbit, delivering radar imagery for clients across multiple sectors. Its maritime-themed name highlights iQPS’s interest in coastal monitoring, though its utility extends to land-based tracking, infrastructure planning, and disaster relief. iQPS CEO Shunsuke Onishi called Electron a vital part of the company’s strategy, enabling rapid expansion of its real-time imaging service.
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