Synspective Inc., a SAR satellite data and analytic solution provider, has announced an agreement with the US-based launch services provider, Rocket Lab, to launch the second demonstration satellite StriX-β. The company also signed a contract for the launch of two more satellites in the StriX series following StriX-β by Rocket Lab.
StriX-β was originally scheduled to be launched by Exolaunch's Soyuz-2 rocket in 2021, but due to a change in the launch schedule of the Soyuz-2 rocket, it will be launched by Rocket Lab's Electron rocket in early 2022. The launch date of our satellite on Exolaunch's Soyuz-2 rocket is currently under adjustment.
StriX-β is the second demonstration satellite following StriX-α. It is aimed to demonstrate InSAR (Interferometric SAR) technology in orbit, a special SAR analytics technique to detect millimeter-level displacements on the ground surface using radar images of the Earth’s surface. Synspective plans to launch six satellites by 2023 and aims to build a constellation of 30 by the late 2020s.
“It is a great honor to collaborate with Rocket Lab, which is evolving from a rocket venture pioneer to an experienced launch service provider with the successful StriX-α deployment to orbit,” said founder and CEO of Synspective, Dr Motoyuki Arai.
“We are very grateful for their flexibility in accepting our requests on the satellite’s orbit and launch period. Synspective has already begun operating its first satellite and providing solution services, and is now entering a phase of business expansion. StriX-β, the second satellite following StriX-α, will demonstrate Interferometric SAR (InSAR) technology in orbit and deepen satellite-operation know-how, which are strengths in our business expansion. We will accomplish this mission and steadily achieve results to enhance global efficiency and resilience.”
Rocket Lab founder and Chief Executive, Peter Beck said: “We’re honored the Synspective team has once again chosen Electron to grow their StriX constellation. We recognize the importance of dedicated orbits and custom mission parameters for constellations, and we’re delighted to deliver a tailored launch and integration service to the Synspective team once again.”