Synspective launches eighth SAR satellite, StriX, expanding Earth observation constellation

A new Earth-imaging satellite for Japanese company Synspective Inc. was successfully launched into orbit on Friday. The satellite, StriX, is the company’s eighth Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging satellite, part of a growing constellation.

The mission, titled “Eight Days A Week,” will enhance the company’s ability to deliver persistent Earth observation capabilities to customers worldwide.

The satellite was launched into orbit by a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula. Over the coming months, Synspective will conduct testing and commissioning to verify the satellite’s observation capabilities before entering service.

In a company press release, the company said StriX reached its target orbit and “spread its wings.” Rocket Lab reported that the satellite is in a 573-kilometer low Earth orbit.

The Mission

Everyone shares the hope that people will live in peace and improve their quality of life for themselves and future generations. However, disasters and conflicts now threaten this hope. The vital infrastructure we've created has been destroyed, and countless lives have been lost. Moreover, environmental challenges and limited resources are obstructing sustainable development. To benefit future generations, we need to grow our economy responsibly, taking into account the Earth's environmental limits and its capacity to regenerate.

SAR satellites can produce a treasure trove of information about the world around us. They can monitor Earth at any time, day or night, and are unaffected by weather or other climatic conditions.

StriX will provide data and remote monitoring services to government agencies and commercial customers globally.

Launcher of Choice

The Synspective mission brings Rocket Lab’s total Electron launch count to 84. This was Rocket Lab's 8^th mission for Synspective.

With a launch record of 100% mission success for Synspective’s satellites, Rocket Lab’s long-term partnership with the company has been recently extended to include another 19 dedicated launches to deliver the rest of the constellation to orbit before 2028.