NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

The Owl’s Night Continues

Launch Time
Mon Feb 28, 2022 20:37 UTC

Rocket

Electron/Curie
Image Credit: Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab
Status: Active
Price: $7.5 million
Liftoff Thrust: 224 kN
Payload to LEO: 320 kg
Stages: 3
Strap-ons: 0
Rocket Height: 18.0 m
Fairing Diameter: 1.2 m
Fairing Height: 4.05 m

Mission Details

StriX-β

StriX β is a Japanese synthetic aperture radar satellite built by Synspective as a demonstrator for their planned 25-satellite constellation. It will feature an X-band synthetic aperture radar.

StriX β is an upgraded version of the StriX α prototype. The satellite features two deployable panes, one side carrying solar cells, the other carrying the X-band radar antenna.

The StriX satellite constellation can target data with a ground resolution of 1-3 m, single polarized (VV), and a swath width of more than 10-30 km. The StriX observation modes are Stripmap and Sliding Spotlight mode and each satellite has a SAR antenna that is 5 meters in length and stowed during launch. The simple design of the satellites allows for affordable development of the constellation.

StriX β was planned to be launched in 2021 on a Soyuz-2-1a Fregat or Soyuz-2-1b Fregat rideshare mission, but as this mission was delayed, it was re-booked on a dedicated Electron KS launch.

Synspective is planning a constellation of 25 satellites called StriX, comprised of 100-kilogram satellites capable of imaging at a resolution of one to three meters. By 2022 the company plans to have six satellites in orbit. The company has not set a date by which it hopes to achieve 25 satellites.

Payloads: 1
Sun-Synchronous Orbit

Location

Rocket Lab LC-1B, Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand

Stats

2022

21st orbital launch attempt

Rocket Lab

24th mission
1st mission of 2022
21st successful mission
4th consecutive successful mission

Electron

24th mission
1st mission of 2022
21st successful mission
4th consecutive successful mission