Long Beach and New Zealand-based Rocket Lab, backed by Sir Peter Beck, has secured a “multi-launch” contract from China’s Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS). The agreement calls for three launches on Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket.

This contract is the third multi-launch booking on Electron by iQPS announced in the past 12 months and brings the total number of launches booked to 18 and further emphasising Electron’s position as the world’s most sought-after small-lift launch vehicle.

These three new dedicated launches for iQPS are scheduled to take place from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 from late 2027. Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 is a privately built and operated orbital launch site, featuring pads LC-1A and LC-1B on the Māhia Peninsula of New Zealand.

Each mission will deploy a single QPS-SAR satellite to a 575km low Earth orbit that will continue the build out of iQPS’ Earth-imaging constellation using synthetic aperture radar: a technology that enables images to be created from radio wave measurements and allows data to be collected during any time of day and under any weather conditions.

“Placing satellites within a constellation already on orbit is exactly the challenge Electron was created to solve. As iQPS’ primary launch provider, Electron has deployed seven QPS-SAR satellites to space with 100 per cent mission success since 2023, each time with the reliability and precision that satellite operators have come to expect from Electron. This latest deal provides iQPS with the security of regular launch slots for their constellation as demand for Electron launches reaches record heights,” stated Rocket Lab.

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Tags: china, new zealand, Rocket Lab, satellite