Electron | The Sea God Sees (iQPS Launch 2)
Electron •
📝 Mission Description
Rocket Lab's Electron Launch: Deploying iQPS's "The Sea God Sees" Satellite
On May 17, 2025, Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is set to lift off from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, carrying the mission dubbed "The Sea God Sees" (iQPS Launch 2). This flight marks another milestone for the Japanese Earth imaging company Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS), deploying a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite designed to enhance global Earth observation capabilities. As small satellite launches proliferate, this mission underscores the growing accessibility of space for specialized commercial applications.
At the heart of the mission is the QPS-SAR-7 satellite, a compact SAR platform weighing approximately 100 kilograms. Its primary objective is to provide high-resolution imaging of Earth's surface, penetrating clouds, darkness, and adverse weather conditions—key advantages over optical sensors. iQPS aims to build a constellation of such satellites to deliver near-real-time data for applications like disaster monitoring, urban planning, agriculture, and maritime surveillance. The payload's capabilities include sub-meter resolution imaging, enabling detailed analysis of infrastructure changes or environmental shifts. This launch follows iQPS's first SAR satellite deployment in 2023, expanding their network toward a planned 36-satellite constellation by the late 2020s. By focusing on rapid revisit times—as short as 10 minutes in targeted areas—iQPS positions itself as a key player in the competitive Earth observation market, rivaling larger constellations like those from Capella Space or ICEYE.
The Electron rocket, developed by Rocket Lab, exemplifies the shift toward lightweight, responsive launch vehicles tailored for small payloads. Standing 18 meters tall with a diameter of 1.2 meters, Electron is a two-stage rocket powered by liquid oxygen and kerosene. Its first stage features nine Rutherford engines, each producing 25,000 pounds of thrust, while the second stage uses a single Rutherford variant. A notable innovation is the use of 3D-printed engine components and electric turbopumps, which reduce manufacturing costs and enable rapid production. Electron can deliver up to 300 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO), making it ideal for dedicated smallsat missions rather than rideshares on larger rockets. Recent upgrades, including a reusable first stage under development, aim to further cut costs and increase launch cadence.
Electron's performance history reflects both triumphs and challenges in the evolving small launch sector. Since its debut in
ℹ️ Official Details
Synthetic aperture radar Earth observation satellite for Japanese Earth imaging company iQPS.
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
The Electron mission "The Sea God Sees" on May 17, 2025, achieved a successful launch, demonstrating reliable technical performance. The rocket executed a precise ascent, ensuring accurate orbital insertion for the synthetic aperture radar satellite developed for iQPS, a Japanese Earth imaging company. Payload deployment was flawless, with the satellite reaching its intended orbit to support high-resolution Earth observation. Key engineering outcomes include validation of the Electron’s consistent precision in small satellite launches, reinforcing its role in the commercial space sector. This success further solidifies confidence in the rocket’s design and operational capabilities. For future missions, this outcome highlights the potential for expanded partnerships with global Earth observation initiatives and underscores the Electron’s reliability for tailored, small-payload deployments, paving the way for more frequent and specialized launches in the growing smallsat market.