{
  "id": 232134,
  "title": "Rocket Lab launches Japanese Earth-observing satellite after 5-week delay (video, photos)",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/rocket-lab-launches-japanese-earth-observing-satellite-after-5-week",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-06T18:34:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Space.com",
    "slug": "space-com",
    "url": "https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/rocket-lab-launches-japanese-earth-observing-satellite-after-5-week-delay-video-photos"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A Japanese Earth-observation satellite named QPS-SAR-13 or MIKURA-I successfully launched into orbit on August 6, 2026, five weeks after its original planned date. The spacecraft, operated by iQPS, was launched atop a Rocket Lab Electron vehicle from New Zealand at 5:18 a.m. EDT (0918 GMT; 9:18 p.m. local time). This was a second attempt for the mission, as the company had initially tried to launch it on June 30 but aborted the launch at the last second. The launch was successful, with the Electron deploying the satellite into its target orbit at a height of approximately 357 miles (575 kilometers) above Earth. The QPS-SAR-13 will utilize high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, enabling it to capture images regardless of weather conditions, day or night. iQPS plans to build a constellation of 36 such SAR satellites in low Earth orbit.",
  "summary": "The Japanese Earth-observing satellite QPS-SAR-13, operated by iQPS, successfully launched from New Zealand on Aug. 6, 2026, five weeks after its initial planned date. The satellite, known as MIKURA-I, was carried into orbit by Rocket Lab's Electron vehicle, which deployed it into a 357-mile-high orbit. The satellite will utilize high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology to capture images of Earth, weather permitting, day and night. This marks Rocket Lab's 13th mission of 2026 and the 92nd overall, with most of its launches utilizing the Electron rocket. The successful launch also signifies Rocket Lab's growing involvement in suborbital missions, with a recent contract signed for up to 18 suborbital missile-defense missions.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}