Synspective, a Japanese company focused on creating a constellation of radar imaging satellites, has signed an agreement with Rocket Lab for an additional ten launches of its Electron rocket. This announcement was made on September 30, 2024, during the International Astronautical Congress held in Sydney. Each launch will carry one of Synspective’s StriX radar imaging satellites, marking a significant step in the company’s satellite deployment strategy.
This new deal follows a previous contract signed in June 2024, which encompassed ten Electron launches scheduled from 2025 through 2027. That initial agreement represented the largest single contract for the Electron rocket to date, solidifying Synspective’s position as Rocket Lab’s largest customer. To date, six launches have been successfully completed, with a total backlog of 21 launches projected through the end of the decade.
In a statement, Peter Beck, Chief Executive of Rocket Lab, emphasized the importance of reliable launch schedules for Synspective’s ambitions. “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,” he said.
While Synspective has relied exclusively on Rocket Lab for its launches thus far, the company has begun diversifying its options. Earlier this year, Synspective entered into a contract with SpaceX to launch two satellites on rideshare missions. Additionally, in July, it secured an agreement with the launch service provider Exolaunch for ten satellites, starting in 2027. Exolaunch specializes in coordinating rideshare missions, such as those offered by SpaceX’s Transporter series.
Motoyuki Arai, founder and Chief Executive of Synspective, highlighted the urgent need to expand the satellite constellation due to a competitive launch services market. “We have to expand the satellite constellation immediately, but the problem in the launch services market is the shortage of launch opportunities,” Arai stated during the Exolaunch signing ceremony. “It’s very tough to find the appropriate opportunities.”
Synspective aims to deploy a total of 30 synthetic aperture radar imaging satellites into orbit by 2030. The company has noted a strong demand for its radar imagery, particularly from the Japanese government and various commercial entities.
In addition to its ambitious satellite plans, Synspective went public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in December 2023. The company reported a revenue of 1.327 billion yen (approximately $9 million) for the first half of 2025, reflecting a 28% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Despite this growth, Synspective recorded a net loss of 2.484 billion yen in the first half of 2025, nearly double the loss reported in the same timeframe last year.
As Synspective continues to navigate the complexities of launching its satellite constellation, the company remains focused on expanding its operational capabilities while adapting to the competitive landscape of the space industry.
