Electron | The Harvest Goddess Thrives (iQPS Launch 4)
Electron •
📝 Mission Description
Electron Rocket Soars with iQPS Satellite in "The Harvest Goddess Thrives" Mission
On August 5, 2025, Rocket Lab's Electron rocket lifted off from its launch site in Mahia, New Zealand, carrying a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite for the Japanese Earth imaging company iQPS. Dubbed "The Harvest Goddess Thrives" as the fourth launch in iQPS's series, this mission underscores the growing demand for agile, high-resolution Earth observation capabilities in an era of rapid environmental and geopolitical changes.
At the heart of the mission is the deployment of a compact SAR satellite designed to provide all-weather, day-and-night imaging of Earth's surface. Unlike optical satellites that rely on visible light and can be hampered by clouds or darkness, SAR technology uses microwave signals to penetrate atmospheric obstacles, enabling detailed monitoring of land use, disaster response, and infrastructure. iQPS's payload, weighing around 100 kilograms, boasts a resolution of up to one meter, making it ideal for applications like agricultural yield prediction—hence the mission's evocative name, drawing from harvest themes—and urban planning. The satellite will join iQPS's constellation, aiming for near-real-time data delivery within minutes of acquisition, a capability that could revolutionize sectors from precision farming to maritime surveillance. By focusing on small, cost-effective satellites, iQPS is democratizing access to space-based intelligence, allowing even smaller nations or organizations to leverage advanced Earth observation without the prohibitive costs of larger systems.
The Electron rocket itself represents a pinnacle of innovative small-lift vehicle design. Standing at 18 meters tall with a diameter of 1.2 meters, it can deliver up to 300 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO) or 200 kilograms to sun-synchronous orbit, the preferred trajectory for Earth observation missions like this one. Powered by nine Rutherford engines in the first stage—each using electric pumps for propellant delivery rather than traditional turbopumps—Electron achieves a thrust of about 224 kilonewtons at liftoff. This electric pump-fed system reduces complexity and manufacturing costs, allowing Rocket Lab to produce rockets at a fraction of the price of competitors. The second stage features a single vacuum-optimized Rutherford engine, while the optional Kick Stage provides precise orbital insertion. Electron's carbon-composite structure enhances its lightweight efficiency, and recent iterations have incorporated reusability features, such as helicopter-captured boosters, to lower per-launch expenses further.
Electron's performance history has been a mix of triumphs and valuable
ℹ️ Official Details
Synthetic aperture radar Earth observation satellite for Japanese Earth imaging company iQPS.
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
The Electron mission, "The Harvest Goddess Thrives," launched on August 05, 2025, achieved a successful orbital insertion and payload deployment for iQPS, a Japanese Earth imaging company. The rocket's technical performance was exemplary, with precise trajectory control and reliable stage separation, ensuring the synthetic aperture radar satellite reached its intended orbit. Payload deployment occurred without anomalies, marking another milestone for Electron’s proven capability in small satellite launches. Key engineering outcomes include validation of the rocket’s robust design and adaptability for tailored Earth observation missions. This success reinforces confidence in Electron’s reliability for frequent, cost-effective launches. Looking ahead, the mission’s flawless execution paves the way for expanded partnerships with commercial entities like iQPS and strengthens the case for Electron in the growing smallsat market, potentially influencing future mission planning and payload diversity.