The multi-launch contract, signed in July of 2024, includes three dedicated missions for launch in 2025 from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, with a fourth launch scheduled for 2026. Each mission will carry a single satellite to form part of iQPS’ planned constellation of 36 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites that are capable of collecting images through cloud and at night with a high resolution of less than a meter.

This multi-launch contract follows Rocket Lab’s deployment of iQPS’ second commercial SAR satellite to space, QPS-SAR-5, during an Electron launch in December of 2023. The mission was an expedited launch for iQPS that took place within four months of the launch contract’s announcement, after their original launch provider could not meet iQPS’ mission requirements. In addition to launching on Electron, all iQPS satellites will use a Rocket Lab Motorized Lightband as its separation system for deployment to space.

Rocket Lab has emerged as a leading launch provider for Japanese and South Korean space users, having launched Electron missions for EO constellation operators in the region and technology demonstrations. These missions include the previously-launched iQPS mission in December 2023; a mission for the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in April 2024; a launch for Astroscale-Japan in February 2024 that successfully deployed a technology demonstrator for the first phase of Astroscale-Japan’s orbital debris removal program; and six out of 16 missions on Electron for Japan-based Synspective, for whom Rocket Lab is their sole launch provider to deploy their constellation.

Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, said, “A constellation’s success relies on spacecraft being deployed to precise orbits on tailored timelines to maximize the data collection or service provision the customer needs for their end users. This is the unique and reliable service that dedicated launch on Electron delivers. It’s a privilege to be entrusted with the next batch of iQPS satellites and we look forward to helping them build out the next stage of their constellation.”

iQPS CEO, Dr. Shunsuke Onishi, said, “We are excited to announce our collaboration with Rocket Lab for four upcoming missions. Building on the successful launch of QPS-SAR-5 “TSUKUYOMI-I” in December 2023, this partnership marks another significant milestone in our project. We are deeply grateful to everyone involved in this project – our dedicated team and Rocket Lab – for their commitment and hard work to this contract. As we accelerate the manufacturing and launch of QPS-SAR satellites to build a constellation, we are confident that Rocket Lab is the trusted partner for this purpose and will make our plans even more solid.”

Selected for their operational readiness and strategic positioning, these locations support efficient communication with HawkEye 360’s mid-latitude satellite clusters. They are part of its broader initiative to reduce data latency and expand its ground station network globally through 2025. This expansion is a key step in increasing the frequency of satellite interactions, which is crucial for providing timely and reliable data to HawkEye 360 customers.

This partnership also allows Hawkeye 360 to leverage ATLAS’ gigabit-per-second X-band modems. Cluster 11 satellites, the latest additions to Hawkeye’s 33 spacecraft constellation, employ transmitters capable of high-speed downlinking that quadruples the delivery speed of actionable insights to end users.

Though ATLAS offers coverage in all latitudes through its Global Federated Network of more than 50 antennas across 34 ground sites, its low-latency coverage for mid-latitude orbits particularly appeals to many constellation operators.

Having completed their single integration effort with ATLAS’ Mingenew and Awarua stations, Hawkeye 360 is now integrated into the entire ATLAS Federated Global Ground Network, thanks to ATLAS’ patented Freedom Software. This means that as demand for Hawkeye 360’s data and analysis continues to grow and their ground segment needs evolve, the ATLAS network stands ready to grow with them.

“Integrating the ATLAS ground stations in Mingenew and Awarua not only optimizes our network for reduced latency but adds capacity and redundancy to our operations in key regions,” said Lorin Metzger, VP of Space at HawkEye 360.

“ATLAS recognizes the vital role space-based solutions play in our daily lives,” said ATLAS Director of Commercial Solutions, Torrey Wigfield. “We are thrilled to provide Hawkeye 360 with this expanded coverage, supporting their RF Spectrum Analysis mission and its positive global impact.”

“Freedom Ground Software as a Service was purpose-built to help companies like Hawkeye 360 seamlessly expand their ground network locations and minimize latency, all while maintaining the high level of security our customers rely on,” said ATLAS CTO and Co-Founder, Brad Bode.

Telemetry data from the satellite confirms the mission’s full success. This groundbreaking project was successfully executed by SatRev’s experienced engineering team. Leveraging its team’s expertise, SatRev developed the Raccoon satellite platform, which serves as a foundation for advanced space missions. This solution combines flexibility, precision, and efficiency—key attributes for international projects.

Key features of Raccoon include:

• Precise Control – an advanced ADCS system enables accurate satellite positioning, crucial for Earth observation
• Energy Optimization – an innovative EPS energy management system ensures efficient operation even in harsh space conditions
• Versatile Applications – a modular platform design allows for a variety of payloads, making it an ideal solution for both commercial and scientific clients.

The satellite deployment was carried out by SatRev in a two-stage process. In the first phase, the satellite was placed into a transfer orbit as part of the SpaceX Transporter-12 mission. In the second phase, it was precisely positioned into its operational orbit using the advanced Impulse 2 Mira transfer vehicle. The success of both stages required SatRev’s team to meticulously refine every project detail, meet strict technological standards, and synchronize efforts with global industry leaders.

SatRev continues to develop its technologies and expand into international markets, working with global partners on groundbreaking space projects.

“This success is the result of an incredibly talented team of engineers whose experience, determination, and dedication have enabled us to achieve what seemed impossible just a few years ago. Their efforts have turned our vision into reality,” said Grzegorz Zwoliński, founder and CEO of SatRev. “Thanks to our engineers’ passion and determination, we are setting new benchmarks in the space industry, proving that Polish technology has global potential. Every mission is a challenge and proof that a Polish company can play a key role on the international stage. The future of SatRev is built on our extraordinary team.”

As the exclusive provider of satellite imagery for both ALOS-2 and ALOS-4, PASCO will deliver high-end geospatial data via a dedicated platform. This partnership highlights PASCO’s prominent role in advancing satellite-based Earth Observation (EO) and ensuring seamless access to high-resolution imagery for various applications.

Launched in July of 2024, ALOS-4 is a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite that features phased array type L-band radar (PALSAR-3). This advanced radar technology is developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Electric and offers enhanced observation performance compared to its predecessor. With a spatial resolution of 3 meters and an expanded observation swath of 200 km, ALOS-4 is tailored for precise monitoring of crustal deformation, subsidence, disasters, forests and marine environments.

Unlike optical sensors, PALSAR-3 radar operates independently of sunlight, acquiring images day and night. Its radio waves can penetrate clouds, ensuring consistent observations regardless of weather conditions. These capabilities enable ALOS-4 to monitor disaster-hit areas, sea ice and infrastructure displacement while supporting broader applications like forest conservation.

Additionally, similar to its predecessor ALOS-2, ALOS-4 integrates an automatic identification system (AIS) for ships. Equipped with the advanced SPAISE3 system developed in collaboration with NEC Corporation, the satellite enhances vessel detection in high-traffic marine areas by leveraging multiple antennas and robust ground-based data processing. This innovation ensures improved monitoring of ocean activity, aiding in maritime safety and environmental protection.

PASCO, active in EO since 2005, is committed to addressing societal challenges through the company’s expertise in satellite data processing and geospatial solutions. In partnership with the Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC) and Tellus, PASCO aims to promote widespread use of ALOS-4 data.

This marks a significant milestone for Pixxel as it begins commercial operations, delivering critical climate and Earth insights to industries worldwide and solidifying its position as a global leader in Earth Observation. 

The Fireflies, currently the world’s highest-resolution commercial-grade hyperspectral satellites, bring unprecedented precision to monitoring the planet and setting a new benchmark for hyperspectral imaging capabilities. With an 5-meter resolution attained for the first time in a hyperspectral spacecraft, Fireflies are six times sharper than the 30-meter standard of most existing hyperspectral satellites, capturing fine details previously invisible to conventional systems. 

This cutting-edge resolution is paired with the ability to capture data across 150+ spectral bands, enabling Fireflies to detect subtle changes in chemical compositions, vegetation health, water quality, and even atmospheric conditions with unmatched accuracy. Unlike traditional Earth observation satellites that rely on broader spectral bands, Firefly’s narrowband sensors uncover hidden patterns and anomalies critical for applications ranging from agriculture to climate action.

Pixxel’s satellites also feature a 40-kilometer swath width and a daily revisit capability, enabling consistent monitoring of vast areas without compromising on detail and ensuring that no critical event goes unnoticed. This combination of high spatial resolution, spectral richness, and frequent global coverage positions Firefly as the world’s most advanced commercial hyperspectral imaging system.

Orbiting in a sun-synchronous orbit at roughly 550km, the Fireflies will form the cornerstone of Pixxel’s mission to build a health monitor for the planet.

“The future of our planet depends on how deeply we understand it today. The successful deployment of our first commercial satellites is a defining moment for Pixxel and a giant leap toward redefining how we use space technology to address the planet’s challenges,” said Awais Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Pixxel. “By investing in the health of our planet now, Pixxel hopes not just to shape the trajectory of Earth observation but also to help write the next chapter in the story of our shared future.”

“The Fireflies represent years of rigorous research, engineering, and innovation aimed at unlocking critical insights about our planet and are a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of our team and the transformative potential of hyperspectral imaging,” said Kshitij Khandelwal, Founder and CTO of Pixxel. “Their ability to detect subtle changes in Earth’s ecosystems will provide industries and governments with the precise information needed to address critical global challenges confidently.”

This launch marks the first phase of Pixxel’s commercial constellation, with three additional Firefly satellites scheduled to launch in Q2 2025. Together, these satellites will deliver comprehensive, real-time data collection and analysis, equipping industries and governments with insights to address global concerns, manage resources responsibly, and drive climate action.

The Firefly constellation’s advanced hyperspectral imaging capabilities open new possibilities across sectors. From empowering environmental agencies to monitor deforestation and ocean pollution in near real-time to helping industries like mining, oil, and gas enhance resource management and infrastructure safety, the applications are vast and transformative. By detecting subtle changes in soil composition, water quality, or atmospheric conditions, Firefly will change how humanity interacts with and protects our planet’s resources.

As part of its larger mission, Pixxel plans to integrate hyperspectral data with machine learning and artificial intelligence tools, further amplifying the impact of Earth Observation technology. This fusion of advanced satellite imagery and predictive analytics will enable businesses to anticipate disruptions and governments to implement proactive policies, paving the way for a new era of precision decision-making.

Pixxel has already launched three successful demo hyperspectral satellites before this launch and raised $95 million in funding, making it the most well-funded hyperspectral imaging space startup globally. With this commercial launch, Pixxel takes a decisive step toward operationalizing its vision of a hyperspectral-powered future where advanced Earth Observation drives solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

GPS technology relies on satellite infrastructure and supports everything from ride-share and food delivery apps for civilians to critical navigation for military and defense operations. The increasing sophistication of adversarial threats, however, such as jamming and spoofing, necessitates advancements in GPS resilience.

The U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) R-GPS program plans to address these challenges by integrating proliferated small satellites into the existing GPS architecture. Sierra Space’s expertise in small satellite technology and rapid deployment provides a competitive edge in achieving this goal.

Sierra Space’s strategic engagement in the R-GPS program underscores its commitment to delivering high-impact, innovative satellite solutions for defense applications. By leveraging its expertise in small satellite technology, rapid deployment capabilities, and advanced signal processing, Sierra Space aims to play a pivotal role in strengthening U.S. national security.

Sierra Space’s strategic engagement in the R-GPS program underscores its commitment to delivering high-impact, innovative satellite solutions for defense applications. By leveraging its expertise in small satellite technology, rapid deployment capabilities, and advanced signal processing, Sierra Space aims to play a pivotal role in strengthening U.S. national security.

Sierra Space’s strategic engagement in the R-GPS program underscores its commitment to delivering high-impact, innovative satellite solutions for defense applications. By leveraging its expertise in small satellite technology, rapid deployment capabilities, and advanced signal processing, Sierra Space aims to play a pivotal role in strengthening U.S. national security.

Sierra Space announced in September a “Quick Start” R-GPS contract awarded by the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command to produce design concepts for smaller, more cost-effective GPS satellites. Sierra Space was selected for this initial award due to the company’s innovative and integrated commercial concepts.

The R-GPS program has been expedited under “Quick Start” authority granted by Congress under Section 229 of the National Defense Authorization Act. This authority allows for rapid response to emerging threats or technologies, enabling the U.S. Space Force to initiate new programs more swiftly.

“The successful Systems Requirements Review of our R-GPS program is a proof point for Sierra Space technology and a notable commercial milestone with our DoD customers,” said Erik Daehler, Vice President of Defense, Satellites & Spacecraft Systems at Sierra Space. “We are focused on efficiency and speed of development to outpace adversaries. The quick turnaround of two months from R-GPS program launch to this next step of development is exactly the speed at which commercial space companies should be moving. We look forward to the next phase of our R-GPS program and getting our satellite technology into orbit.”

“GPS is vital for everything from financial markets to civilian navigation,” said Lt. Col. Justin Deifel, head of the U.S. Space Force’s R-GPS program. “It’s a utility – like water or electricity — and we need to make sure it’s resilient for civilians and warfighters alike, so they have access to GPS when they need it most.”