# Rocket Lab launched an Earth-observing radar satellite for the Japanese company Synspective.

*aerospace · news · 2026-05-21 · Space.com*

## Key points

- Rocket Lab launched Synspective's Strix Earth-observing radar satellite on May 22 from New Zealand.
- This mission marks the ninth time Rocket Lab has launched for Synspective since 2020.
- Rocket Lab is contracted for 18 more launches to build Synspective's SAR constellation by 2030.
- The Strix satellites use synthetic aperture radar, enabling imaging through clouds and darkness.

**Companies:** Rocket Lab, Synspective
**Countries:** Japan, New Zealand

[Read the full story on Space.com](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/watch-rocket-lab-launch-private-japanese-earth-observing-satellite-early-on-may-22)

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