noiselaunch2026-09-26

Rocket Lab launches Synspective's 13th StriX SAR satellite

Rocket Lab's 97th Electron mission deployed Synspective's 13th StriX radar satellite to a 559km orbit, per the company's release.

// sources · 2 attached

what happened

Rocket Lab launched its 97th Electron mission, dubbed 'Owlright Owlright Owlright,' from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 12:39 p.m. NZST on Sept. 26, 2026 (23:39 UTC Sept. 25), deploying Synspective's 13th StriX synthetic aperture radar satellite to a 559km orbit, per Rocket Lab's release. It was Rocket Lab's 18th launch this year and the 13th dedicated Electron mission for Synspective under their multi-year deal, with all 13 StriX satellites deployed successfully to date.

why it matters

Another flawless dedicated mission keeps Synspective's SAR constellation build-out on schedule and reinforces Electron's niche as the go-to dedicated small-satellite launcher for operators who want their own launch window rather than a rideshare slot.