Rocket Lab is gearing up for another significant milestone in its partnership with Synspective. On June 26, 2026 the company will launch the Japanese firm’s 10th Strix satellite from its Launch Complex-1 (LC-1) on the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand. This mission, dubbed Ten Owl of Ten aims to bolster Synspective’s constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, which provide critical imaging data for various applications.
The launch window opens at 12:45 p.m. EDT (16:45 UTC), with live coverage available on and Rocket Lab’s website. This mission marks Rocket Lab’s 12th launch of the year and the ninth for the Electron rocket underscoring the vehicle’s reliability and frequency of flights.
Expanding Synspective’s Earth-Observation Constellation
Synspective’s Strix satellites are designed to provide high-resolution imaging data for urban planninginfrastructure monitoring and disaster response. The satellites’ SAR technology allows them to capture images in any lighting condition and through cloud cover, making them invaluable for continuous Earth observation. Each Strix satellite weighs approximately 220 pounds (100 kg) and has a lifespan of about five years in low Earth orbit (LEO).
The Ten Owl of Ten mission will place the satellite in a 343-mile (552-kilometer) altitude orbit at a 42-degree inclination. This orbit is optimal for capturing detailed images of Japan and surrounding regions. The Electron rocket’s second stage will separate about 2 minutes and 40 seconds after liftoff, followed by the third or kick stage taking over approximately nine minutes into the flight. Payload separation is expected around 45 minutes after launch.
Rocket Lab’s Milestone and Future Missions
This launch is a significant milestone for Rocket Lab, marking its 90th flight The partnership between Rocket Lab and Synspective dates back to 2026 with Rocket Lab serving as the exclusive launch provider for Synspective’s constellation. The companies have 17 more launches planned through 2030 ensuring the continued expansion of Synspective’s Earth-observation capabilities.
In addition to the Synspective mission, Rocket Lab has secured contracts for three Electron launches with NASA including the PolSIR and TSIS-2 missions. These launches are scheduled to begin in early further solidifying Rocket Lab’s position as a key player in the small-lift launch vehicle market.
Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket stands at 59 feet (18 meters) tall and can launch payloads weighing up to 661 pounds (300 kilograms) to LEO. The rocket’s ability to provide precise deployment and meet tight turnaround schedules has made it a preferred choice for both commercial and government missions. The company’s responsive-space capabilities were recently demonstrated with the Pioneer spacecraft launch for the U.S. Space Force’s Victus Haze mission which set a new record for tactically responsive space operations.
