Rocket Lab sets November launch for next iQPS Earth-imaging satellite
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 22, 2025

Rocket Lab has confirmed the launch window for its next Electron mission, marking the sixth flight for its long-standing customer, the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS) of Japan. The dedicated mission, titled "The Nation God Navigates," is set to lift off from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand during a window opening on November 5, 2025 UTC.

The launch will deploy the QPS-SAR-14 satellite, nicknamed YACHIHOKO-I after the Japanese god of nation-building, into a 575-kilometer circular orbit. Once operational, the satellite will enhance the iQPS constellation's global capability to deliver high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery for real-time Earth monitoring.

iQPS plans to expand its constellation to 36 SAR satellites, enabling coverage of Earth's surface every ten minutes. The company has already flown five missions with Rocket Lab: "The Moon God Awakens" in December 2023, followed by "The Lightning God Reigns," "The Sea God Sees," "The Mountain God Guards," and "The Harvest Goddess Thrives" throughout 2025.

Beyond this upcoming mission, Rocket Lab is scheduled to conduct at least six more dedicated launches for iQPS through 2026 and beyond. The collaboration underscores Rocket Lab's position as the leading launch provider for the Japanese operator's growing SAR fleet.

Electron, the world's most frequently launched commercial small-lift rocket, continues to demonstrate a flawless record this year, achieving 100 percent mission success across its 2025 campaign with additional flights still to come.

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