Rocket Lab USA, Inc. has revealed details for its 45th Electron launch, dedicated to deploying a StriX-3 satellite for Synspective, a Japanese Earth-imaging satellite constellation operator. Named the “Owl Night Long” mission, the launch window is set to open on March 10th NZDT (March 9th UTC) from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand.
Synspective’s StriX-series satellites are part of a multi-launch agreement, with Rocket Lab being the exclusive launch provider. The upcoming mission marks Rocket Lab’s fourth launch for Synspective, following successful launches in 2020 and 2022.
Synspective specializes in satellite data solutions, utilizing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology. SAR enables data collection day or night, regardless of weather conditions. This unique capability aids in time-series analysis and change detection, providing valuable insights into economic and environmental changes.
Being a dedicated payload on Electron allows Synspective greater control over launch schedules and deployment parameters. Electron’s Kick Stage performs a specialized mid-mission maneuver, shielding the StriX satellite from the sun to minimize radiation exposure before deployment—an advantage not possible on larger rideshare missions.
Peter Beck, Rocket Lab’s founder and Chief Executive, expressed excitement about the continued partnership, emphasizing Electron’s tailored launch service for precision deployment. Synspective’s founder and CEO, Dr. Motoyuki Arai, highlighted the significance of the StriX-3 project, aiming for full-scale constellation operations.
“Owl Night Long” will mark Rocket Lab’s third Electron launch in 2024, with additional Synspective launches planned under the multi-launch agreement. The mission reflects the ongoing collaboration between Rocket Lab and Synspective in advancing Earth-imaging satellite technology.
+ 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 177 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. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.
+ About Synspective
Synspective, established in 2018, is an end-to-end SAR satellite data and solution provider with the mission to realize a learning world for people to expand their capabilities and make tangible progress with new data and technologies.
With a SAR satellite constellation that enables high-frequency and high-resolution Earth observation, Synspective delivers satellite data and various solutions that combine SAR and IoT data with machine learning and data science techniques.