On October 19, 2023, Rocket Lab USA, Inc. achieved a significant milestone with the launch of its 42nd Electron rocket. This mission marked the deployment of a satellite for the Japanese Earth imaging company, Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS). With this launch, Rocket Lab set a new annual record, completing its 10th Electron mission in a single year, surpassing its previous record of nine launches in 2022. This achievement maintains Electron’s position as the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket for five consecutive years.
The mission, named “The Moon God Awakens”, took off from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand on December 15th. The mission’s payload, the iQPS-SAR-5 satellite “TSUKUYOMI-I”, is designed for high-resolution Earth imaging using synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) technology. This satellite joins an existing iQPS satellite in orbit, contributing to a planned 36-satellite Earth observation constellation.
Peter Beck, the founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, expressed pride in the team’s new annual launch record and the continued success of the Electron as a leading small launch vehicle globally. He also highlighted the significance of supporting iQPS with a dedicated and rapid launch service, noting the mission’s quick progression from contract to launch in just eight months. This efficiency underscores Rocket Lab’s capability to provide customized and swift launch solutions.