iQPS Small SAR Satellite No. 13 "Mikura-I" Scheduled for Launch after May 2026 via Rocket Lab's Electron Rocket

Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS) (Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Representative Director and CEO: Shunsuke Onishi, hereinafter iQPS), which develops, manufactures, and operates world-class small SAR satellites, announces that the small SAR satellite QPS-SAR No. 13 (Nickname: "Mikura-I") is scheduled to be launched by the Electron rocket of the US-based Rocket Lab.

[Launch Overview] Launch Vehicle: Rocket Lab Electron Launch Window: After May 2026 *Dates may be postponed due to weather conditions. Any changes will be announced on the official website news page or official SNS. Target Orbit: Mid-inclination orbit, planned altitude of 575 km Launch Site: Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand.

This launch will be conducted as our dedicated rocket launch. Satellite numbers are assigned in the order rocket launch contracts are signed. Satellites No. 14 and 15 were launched previously in 2025, and now the launch of No. 13 will be executed.

Electron sets a mission name for each launch, and this time it has been named "The Grain Goddess Provides" in association with the QPS-SAR No. 13 nickname "Mikura-I". The mission patch features fruitful rice ears named after Mikura. Furthermore, the seven stars shining in the sky represent the number of QPS-SAR satellites launched by Electron so far.