Home > News > Top Stories > Rocket Lab Signs Multi-Launch Deal to Further Deploy Synspective Constellation

Defense and Space

Rocket Lab Signs Multi-Launch Deal to Further Deploy Synspective Constellation

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has signed a deal with Japanese Earth imaging company Synspective to launch two dedicated Electron missions. The new missions bring the total number of Electron launches contracted by Synspective to six.

Rocket Lab has been launching for Synspective since 2020 when the Company deployed the first satellite in Synspective’s synthetic aperture radar (SAR) constellation, which is designed to deliver imagery that can detect millimetre-level changes to the Earth’s surface from space. Since that first mission, Rocket Lab has been the sole launch provider for Synspective’s StriX constellation to date, successfully deploying three StriX satellites across three dedicated Electron launches. Including the two new missions, Rocket Lab is now scheduled to launch three missions for Synspective beginning in late 2023 from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand.

Rocket Lab founder and Chief Executive, Peter Beck, says: “It’s an honor to be entrusted with the continued deployment of Synspective’s constellation. We’re proud to enable them to build out their constellation with precision and efficiency, giving Synspective ultimate schedule and orbit flexibility with frequent dedicated launch opportunities. We’re delighted to continue delivering this unique ability to Synspective through our continued partnership.”

In addition to providing Synspective with a high degree over schedule and orbit by flying as a dedicated mission, Rocket Lab also delivers the unique ability to perform an advanced mid-mission maneuver with the Electron rocket’s Kick Stage to shield the StriX satellite from the sun to reduce radiation exposure ahead of payload deployment.

Synspective founder and CEO, Dr. Motoyuki Arai, says: “As we celebrate our three-year partnership with Rocket Lab, which began with our first StriX-α satellite in 2020, we are thrilled to entrust them with two more contracts for our StriX satellite launches. Their unwavering reliability and precision have been pivotal to our successful deployments. We’re looking forward to the upcoming launches and the new insights to enhance our satellite data and solution service in line with our customer needs.”

Synspective joins several commercial constellation operators that have signed multi-launch agreements on Electron this year, including HawkEye 360 and Capella Space.

Previous Rocket Lab Launches for Synspective:

• The Owl’s Night Begins: 15 December 2020
• The Owl’s Night Continues: 28 February 2022
• The Owl Spreads Its Wings: 15 September 2022

About Rocket Lab

Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle, the Photon satellite platform and the Company is developing the large Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 163 satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a third launch pad in Virginia.

Spotlight

More featured news

Spotlight

Related News

Air Transport, Cargo Management, Airport Management

Delta Cargo launches e-commerce solution DeliverDirect in collaboration with SmartKargo

PR Newswire | February 01, 2024

Delta Cargo is excited to announce the launch of its newest product, DeliverDirect, developed in collaboration with SmartKargo. DeliverDirect is a door-to-door delivery service for the U.S. market, offering a competitive and customizable solution for e-commerce retailers seeking to optimize their direct-to-consumer shipping solutions. With DeliverDirect, Delta Cargo pioneers an innovative domestic carrier approach, providing swift service with transparent pricing for e-commerce and small parcel delivery. From initial warehouse pickup to delivery at the end consumer's doorstep, DeliverDirect is a fast, seamless, end-to-end service that upgrades traditional ground or air shipping services utilized by most current e-tailers. Small package shippers will benefit from increased shipping speeds, an uncomplicated pricing structure, proactive alert management, transparent tracking and reporting, and access to Delta's vast domestic network. "We are thrilled to introduce DeliverDirect, our new offer for the small parcel delivery market," shared Alison Ricker, Managing Director, Delta Cargo Global Sales. "Through our strategic collaboration with SmartKargo, DeliverDirect gives e-tailers an alternative transportation solution that fits their customers' requirements, and we envision that this service will prove to be a fast, reliable and cost-effective solution." The DeliverDirect offering can be tailored to shippers' needs with a variety of service innovations that empower customers to customize according to their unique preferences. These service innovations include: personalized pick-up times, geo-fenced notifications for consumers, multiple delivery attempts, signature-required deliveries, proof of delivery with photos, and access to advanced reporting features for a complete comprehensive service that aligns seamlessly with a variety of needs. "E-commerce shippers are looking for simple, faster and more reliable alternatives to deliver their products to consumers. Delta Cargo has a vision for small package delivery that will transform the U.S. market and continue to diversify their already robust offering in the air cargo market. Their innovative approach makes them a fantastic partner for SmartKargo, and we look forward to growing this service together," stated Milind Tavshikar, CEO and Founder of SmartKargo.

Aerospace, Defense and Space

Hanwha at WDS 2024: Pioneering Global Defense Capabilities and Partnerships for Vision 2030

PR Newswire | February 05, 2024

The defense affiliates of Hanwha Group, including Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, and Hanwha Ocean, will be participating in the World Defense Show 2024 (WDS 2024), held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 4th to 8th Feb. With geopolitical crises increasing security demands in key Middle East regions, Hanwha Group is set to present defense capabilities on land, in the air, at sea and in space to protect customers from various threats. Under the slogan 'Opening the Future of Advanced Engine', Hanwha will explore long-term partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has made localization of the defense sector a key objective in Vision 2030. Hanwha will present its advanced aircraft engines, AESA radars, and aviation electronics equipment at the exhibition's center, as well as unveil a roadmap for the development and production of next generation engines beginning in the 2030s, leveraging the manufacturing capabilities accumulated over the previous 40 years. Hanwha aims to fortify a partnership that not only meets customer's immediate defense needs, but also foster long-term resilience and innovation in the defense sector. The company is committed to integrating advanced defense technologies into the customer's needs. An official from Hanwha stated, "The collaboration aims to significantly contribute to the growth and modernization of the local defense industry, while also fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. Hanwha takes pride in our ongoing commitment to delivering deterrence solutions to key regions with urgent needs." Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East region, Hanwha will present the cutting-edge submarine KSS-III, offering unparalleled capabilities to mitigate emerging threats to maritime security. Also, the unmanned underwater vehicles and unmanned surface ships will deliver innovative defense solutions to navigate the diverse security challenges in the region. In the face of rapidly changing regional security landscape, Hanwha will present the K9A1 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) equipped with exportable engine, multipurpose Unmanned Ground Vehicle(UGV), Redback armored vehicle, TIGON 6x6 wheeled armored vehicle, Chunmoo Multi Rocket Launcher, M-SAM and various air defense systems, meeting regional needs with its diverse portfolio of Land Systems solutions. Hanwha will also exhibit hyper connected tactical solutions to sensor and neutralize aerial threats, including Synthetic Aperture Radar(SAR), Multi-Function Radar(MFR), and anti-drone systems. The company will also showcase advanced air defense solutions equipped on Korean Fighter Jet, ranging from Active Electronically Scanned Array(AESA) Radar to Infra-Red Search and Track, strengthening defense capabilities to detect threats across different domains. Hanwha has decades of experience designing, developing, testing successfully manufacturing modern defense solutions. The company is adopting a cooperative approach to support the localization of key products, a private cooperation aimed at expediting the achievement of the customer's objectives.