The Sea God Sees (iQPS Launch 2)
Electron
Rocket Lab
Rocket Launch Video
Rocket Launch Timeline
Enhance your rocket launch experience with a detailed timeline! From pre-launch preparations to post-launch milestones, a well-structured schedule ensures every step—payload prep, safety checks, and liftoff—runs smoothly. Stay informed and follow the action with precision.
| T- 00 : 02 : 00 | Startup The onboard computer takes control over the countdown and runs last checks |
| T- 00 : 00 : 02 | Ignition Start of the engine ignition sequence |
| T+ 00 : 00 : 00 | Liftoff First upwards movement of the rocket |
| T+ 00 : 00 : 55 | Supersonic Vehicle is supersonic |
| T+ 00 : 01 : 07 | Max-Q Maximum dynamic pressure |
| T+ 00 : 02 : 27 | MECO Cut-off of the main engine |
| T+ 00 : 02 : 31 | Stage 2 Separation Separation of the second stage from the first |
| T+ 00 : 02 : 34 | SES Start of the second engine |
| T+ 00 : 03 : 17 | Fairing Separation Separation of the payload fairing |
| T+ 00 : 06 : 25 | Battery Hotswap Electron Second stages switches to a new set of batteries and jettisons the depleted ones. |
| T+ 00 : 09 : 00 | SECO Cut-off of the second engine |
| T+ 00 : 09 : 04 | Kick Stage Separation Separation of the kick stage from the previous stage |
| T+ 00 : 47 : 10 | Kick Stage Ignition Start of the kick stage engine |
| T+ 00 : 49 : 41 | Kick Stage Cut-off Cut-off of the kick stage engine |
| T+ 00 : 50 : 31 | Payload Separation Final deployment of the payload from the rocket |
Mission
The Sea God Sees (iQPS Launch 2)
- Type: Earth Science
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
- Launch Cost: $6,000,000
Synthetic aperture radar Earth observation satellite for Japanese Earth imaging company iQPS.
Location
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1A
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1A has witnessed the launch of 37 rockets, including 37 orbital launch attempts. While Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand, has been the site for 71 rocket launches.
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 is a commercial spaceport located close to Ahuriri Point at the southern tip of Māhia Peninsula, on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It is owned and operated by private spaceflight company Rocket Lab and supports launches of the company's Electron rocket for small satellites. With the launch of Electron on 25 May 2017, it became the first private spaceport to host an orbital launch attempt, and the first site in New Zealand to host an orbital launch attempt. With the Electron launch of 21 January 2018, it became the first private spaceport to host a successful orbital launch.
Rocket
Rocket Lab Electron
Electron is a two-stage orbital expendable launch vehicle (with an optional third stage) developed by the American aerospace company Rocket Lab. Electron is a small-lift launch vehicle designed to launch small satellites and cubesats to sun-synchronous orbit and low earth orbit. The Electron is the first orbital class rocket to use electric-pump-fed engines, powered by the 9 Rutherford engines on the first stage. It is also used as a suborbital testbed (called HASTE) for hypersonics research.
Agency
Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an American aerospace manufacturer with a wholly owned New Zealand subsidiary. The company develops lightweight, cost-effective commercial rocket launch services. The Electron Program was founded on the premise that small payloads such as CubeSats require dedicated small launch vehicles and flexibility not currently offered by traditional rocket systems. Its rocket, the Electron, is a light-weight rocket and is now operating commercially. The company is also producing a variety of spacecrafts and spacecrafts components.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Electron launch scheduled?
The Rocket Lab Electron launch carrying the The Sea God Sees (iQPS Launch 2) mission was scheduled for:
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Where can I watch the Electron launch video?
You can watch the Rocket Lab Electron launch video on this page. The official video includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary covering pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, and payload deployment.
Where did the Electron launch from?
The Rocket Lab Electron rocket launched from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1A at Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand. Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 is a commercial spaceport located close to Ahuriri Point at the southern tip of Māhia Peninsula, on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It is owned and operated by private spaceflight company Rocket Lab and supports launches of the company's Electron rocket for small satellites. With the launch of Electron on 25 May 2017, it became the first private spaceport to host an orbital launch attempt, and the first site in New Zealand to host an orbital launch attempt. With the Electron launch of 21 January 2018, it became the first private spaceport to host a successful orbital launch.
What rocket was used for the The Sea God Sees (iQPS Launch 2) mission?
The The Sea God Sees (iQPS Launch 2) mission launched aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket. Electron is a two-stage orbital expendable launch vehicle (with an optional third stage) developed by the American aerospace company Rocket Lab. Electron is a small-lift launch vehicle designed to launch small satellites and cubesats to sun-synchronous orbit and low earth orbit. The Electron is the first orbital class rocket to use electric-pump-fed engines, powered by the 9 Rutherford engines on the first stage. It is also used as a suborbital testbed (called HASTE) for hypersonics research. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed this launch?
The Electron launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest launch status, including any delays or scrubs. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official live streams for the most immediate range updates.
