Electron | The Wisdom God Guides (iQPS Launch 6)
Electron •
📝 Mission Description
Electron Rocket Launches iQPS's Latest Earth Observation Satellite
On December 21, 2025, Rocket Lab's Electron rocket successfully lifted off from its launch site in New Zealand, carrying the mission dubbed "The Wisdom God Guides" – the sixth launch for the Japanese Earth imaging company iQPS. This deployment marked another milestone in the burgeoning field of commercial space-based radar technology, deploying a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite designed to enhance global Earth observation capabilities.
The primary objective of this mission was to expand iQPS's constellation of SAR satellites, which provide high-resolution imaging regardless of weather conditions or time of day. Unlike optical satellites that rely on visible light, SAR systems use microwave signals to penetrate clouds and darkness, making them invaluable for applications like disaster monitoring, urban planning, and maritime surveillance. The payload, a compact SAR satellite weighing approximately 100 kilograms, boasts a resolution of up to 1 meter, enabling detailed mapping of terrain changes, infrastructure damage, or environmental shifts. iQPS aims to build a constellation of up to 36 satellites by the end of the decade, promising near-real-time data access with revisit times as short as 10 minutes over key areas. This capability could revolutionize industries from agriculture, where it tracks crop health, to defense, where it aids in reconnaissance without atmospheric interference.
At the heart of the mission is Rocket Lab's Electron rocket, a small-lift vehicle optimized for deploying payloads into low Earth orbit (LEO). Standing 18 meters tall with a diameter of 1.2 meters, Electron is powered by Rutherford engines – nine in the first stage and one vacuum-optimized in the second – which use electric pumps for propellant delivery, a design choice that reduces complexity and cost compared to traditional turbopumps. The rocket can deliver up to 300 kilograms to a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, making it ideal for small satellite missions. Its carbon composite structure enhances strength while keeping mass low, and the inclusion of a kick stage allows for precise orbital insertions, as demonstrated in this launch where the satellite was placed into a tailored 500-kilometer orbit.
Electron's performance history underscores its reliability in the competitive small-launch market. Since its debut in 2017, the rocket has completed over 50 missions, with a success rate exceeding 95% after initial teething issues. Notable flights include NASA's CAPSTONE mission to the Moon in 2022 and multiple deployments for commercial clients like BlackSky and Canon. Setbacks, such
ℹ️ Official Details
Synthetic aperture radar Earth observation satellite for Japanese Earth imaging company iQPS.
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
The Electron mission "The Wisdom God Guides" for iQPS, launched on December 21, 2025, achieved a successful orbital insertion and payload deployment. The rocket's technical performance was exemplary, with precise trajectory control and reliable stage separation, ensuring the synthetic aperture radar Earth observation satellite reached its intended orbit for the Japanese company iQPS. Payload deployment occurred without anomalies, marking a significant achievement in supporting high-resolution Earth imaging capabilities. Key engineering outcomes include validation of Electron’s consistent reliability for small satellite launches and its adaptability to specific payload requirements. This success reinforces confidence in the rocket's design for future missions, particularly for commercial Earth observation applications. It also highlights the growing demand for cost-effective, dedicated launches in the small satellite sector, positioning Electron as a competitive option for similar payloads in upcoming missions.