- Published on
Watch Rocket Lab launch Japanese radar satellite to orbit early on Sept. 1
- Authors
- Name
- DeepHorus
Rocket Lab is set to launch a Japanese commercial radar satellite into orbit early Tuesday morning, September 1, in a mission that underscores the growing role of private companies in Earth observation. The launch is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. EDT (1130 GMT) from Rocket Lab's New Zealand facility. The Electron rocket will carry a single Strix satellite for Synspective, a Tokyo-based Earth-imaging company.
This mission represents the next step in Synspective's effort to build a comprehensive global monitoring network. The company plans to deploy a constellation of approximately 30 Strix satellites in low Earth orbit. These spacecraft use synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, enabling them to capture images of Earth's surface regardless of time of day or weather conditions.
The primary goal of the Strix constellation is to provide rapid and reliable data for disaster response and management. Synspective states the satellites will help monitor on-the-ground changes during events like earthquakes and floods, especially at night or in hard-to-reach areas. Beyond emergency use, the data will support efficient resource utilization, monitoring natural resources, urban development, and land and water usage for sustainability.
This will mark the 11th Strix satellite to reach orbit, with all previous missions also launched on Electron rockets. Rocket Lab is the sole launch provider for Synspective's constellation, with 16 additional missions for the company currently scheduled after this one. The partnership highlights a stable commercial relationship between the two firms.
If successful, the Electron's upper kick stage will deploy the satellite 56 minutes after liftoff, placing it at an altitude of 357 miles (575 kilometers). The mission, named "Owl Around the World," is the 12th launch of 2026 for the 59-foot-tall Electron rocket and its 85th overall. Rocket Lab also continues to operate its HASTE suborbital vehicle.
Live coverage of the launch will begin approximately 30 minutes before liftoff on Rocket Lab's channels, with Space.com expected to carry the feed as well. The launch has been anticipated since late August, with the final date confirmed just hours before the event. The mission is a key test of Rocket Lab's launch cadence and Synspective's ongoing deployment strategy.
