Synspective Expands Launch Capacity with 10 New Electron Missions
Synspective, a Japanese company focused on developing a constellation of radar imaging satellites, has signed a significant agreement with Rocket Lab for an additional 10 launches of its Electron rocket. Announced on September 30 during the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, the contract will see each launch carrying a single StriX radar imaging satellite from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand.
This latest deal follows a previous contract signed in June 2024, where Synspective secured 10 Electron launches scheduled for 2025 through 2027. This earlier agreement marked the largest single contract for the Electron rocket to date. Currently, Synspective stands as Rocket Lab’s most significant customer for Electron, having completed six launches and maintaining a backlog of 21 launches planned through the end of the decade.
Strategic Importance of Launch Services
“Regular and reliable launch on a flexible schedule is essential to the buildout of Synspective’s constellation,” stated Peter Beck, Rocket Lab’s chief executive. He emphasized that Electron has played a critical role as the sole launcher of all StriX satellites currently in orbit.
While Synspective has relied exclusively on Rocket Lab for its launches thus far, it is diversifying its launch strategy. Earlier this year, the company signed a contract with SpaceX to launch two satellites on rideshare missions. Additionally, in July, it established a partnership with launch service provider Exolaunch for the deployment of 10 satellites starting in 2027. Exolaunch primarily facilitates rideshare missions, such as those offered through SpaceX’s Transporter series.
Motoyuki Arai, founder and chief executive of Synspective, highlighted the urgency of expanding their satellite constellation. He remarked at the Exolaunch signing ceremony in July, “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.”
Financial Outlook and Future Goals
Synspective aims to place 30 synthetic aperture radar imaging satellites in orbit by 2030. The company reports strong demand for its radar imagery from both the Japanese government and commercial customers. Following its public listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in December, Synspective released financial results in August indicating revenues of 1.327 billion yen (approximately $9 million) for the first half of 2025, representing a 28% increase compared to the same period in 2024. However, the company also reported a net loss of 2.484 billion yen for this timeframe, nearly double the loss experienced in the first half of 2024.
As Synspective continues to grow its satellite network, the company’s strategic partnerships and recent agreements with launch providers underscore its commitment to addressing market demands and enhancing its operational capabilities in the competitive landscape of satellite technology.
