Synspective, a Japanese company focused on developing a constellation of radar imaging satellites, has secured a deal with Rocket Lab for an additional 10 launches of its Electron rocket. This announcement was made on September 30, 2023, during the International Astronautical Congress held in Sydney. Each of these launches will carry a single StriX radar imaging satellite, furthering Synspective’s ambitious plans in satellite deployment.
The launches are scheduled to take place from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. This new contract follows a previous agreement signed in June 2024 for another 10 Electron launches, set to occur between 2025 and 2027. This earlier contract was notable as it represented the largest single order for Electron to date.
Synspective’s Growing Presence in Satellite Launches
With these new contracts, Synspective has solidified its position as Rocket Lab’s largest Electron customer. To date, Rocket Lab has successfully completed six launches for Synspective, with a total backlog of 21 launches planned through the end of the decade. Peter Beck, CEO of Rocket Lab, emphasized the importance of reliable and regular launch schedules for the company’s satellite constellation. He stated, “Regular and reliable launch on a flexible schedule is essential to the buildout of Synspective’s constellation, and Electron has been integral to this from the start as the sole launcher of all StriX satellites in space today.”
Despite its reliance on Rocket Lab for all its launches thus far, Synspective is diversifying its launch partnerships. Earlier this year, the company signed a contract with SpaceX to launch two satellites as part of rideshare missions. Additionally, in July 2023, Synspective reached an agreement with launch service provider Exolaunch for 10 satellite launches starting in 2027. Exolaunch primarily facilitates rideshare missions, such as those in SpaceX’s Transporter series.
Ambitious Goals and Financial Snapshot
Synspective aims to deploy a total of 30 synthetic aperture radar imaging satellites by 2030. The company has reported significant demand for its radar imagery services from both the Japanese government and commercial clients. In a statement at the Exolaunch signing ceremony, Motoyuki Arai, Synspective’s founder and CEO, highlighted the challenges in the launch services market, saying, “We have to expand the satellite constellation immediately, but the problem in the launch services market is the shortage of launch opportunities. It’s very tough to find the appropriate opportunities.”
Financially, Synspective went public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in December 2022. In its latest financial report from August 2025, the company reported revenues of 1.327 billion yen (approximately $9 million) for the first half of the year, marking a 28% increase compared to the same period in 2024. However, it also reported a net loss of 2.484 billion yen, nearly double the loss recorded in the first half of 2024.
As Synspective continues to navigate the complexities of the satellite launch industry, its latest agreements with Rocket Lab and other partners reflect a strategic effort to meet growing demand for its services while addressing the challenges of launch availability.