Overview
- The Electron rocket lifted off from Pad B at Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 19:51 UTC on Nov. 5 to deploy QPS-SAR-14 (YACHIHOKO-I) into a 575-kilometer circular orbit at 42 degrees inclination.
- The flight marked Rocket Lab’s sixth dedicated launch for iQPS, making the company the most frequent launcher for the constellation to date.
- Rocket Lab said it signed an additional multi-launch agreement that will add six more dedicated Electron missions for iQPS.
- This was Electron’s 16th mission of 2025, matching the company’s single-year high set in 2024, with more launches scheduled this year as Rocket Lab prepares for the first flight of its Neutron vehicle.
- iQPS reported successful post-separation contact about 35 minutes after deployment and the subsequent unfolding of the satellite’s SAR antenna, calling it their fifth successful launch this year.