🚀 Electron | 🛰 QPS-SAR-11 (Yamatsumi-1)

Launch date: June 11, 2025 15:31 UTC

Payload: QPS-SAR-11 (Yamatsumi-1)

Location: LC-1A, Mahia Launch Complex, New Zealand

Vehicle: Electron

Rocket Lab successfully launched its 66th Electron rocket on June 11, 2025, deploying the QPS-SAR-11 satellite, also known as Yamatsumi-1 (‘The Mountain God Guards’), for Japanese company iQPS at 15:31 UTC from LC-1A, Mahia, New Zealand. The mission placed the payload into a 575km Earth orbit, marking the eighth Electron mission of 2025 and Rocket Lab’s fourth overall for iQPS. This launch supports iQPS’s growing constellation targeting 36 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging satellites, enabling frequent, high-resolution global Earth monitoring. Three more dedicated Electron launches for iQPS are planned for later in the year.

LC-1A, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand

Launch Complex 1A (LC-1A) is part of Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 (LC-1), situated on the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand. Opened in 2017, it is notable for being the world’s first privately owned and operated orbital launch site. The site was constructed to support the Electron launch vehicle, which is designed for frequent, low-cost launches of small satellites into low Earth orbit.

LC-1A has facilitated numerous successful launches for commercial, civil, and government customers, cementing Rocket Lab’s position as a major player in the small satellite launch market. The location was chosen for its remote setting, access to a range of orbital inclinations, and minimal air and sea traffic, enabling a high launch cadence and flexibility for customers.