February 28, 2022 8:37 pm

The Owl’s Night Continues (StriX-β)

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Electron

Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
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February 28, 2022 8:37 pm

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2026-07-11 16:24:49

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 an 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.
Launch Overview
Window Open 20:35 UTC
Window Close 20:40 UTC
Lift Off Feb 28, 2022 · 20:37 UTC
Launch Facility Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
Launch Pad Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B
Target Orbit Sun-Synchronous Orbit
Payload Overview
Customer Rocket Lab
Payload The Owl’s Night Continues (StriX-β)
Rocket Electron
Destination Sun-Synchronous Orbit
Recovery Overview
Landing Location See Mission Notes
Landing Type RTLS / Droneship
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 an 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.

Height

LEO Payload

Total Launches

Status

Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B
Launch Overview
Window Open 20:35 UTC
Window Close 20:40 UTC
Lift Off Feb 28, 2022 · 20:37 UTC
Launch Facility Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
Launch Pad Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B
Target Orbit Sun-Synchronous Orbit
Payload Overview
Customer Rocket Lab
Payload The Owl’s Night Continues (StriX-β)
Rocket Electron
Destination Sun-Synchronous Orbit
Recovery Overview
Landing Location See Mission Notes
Landing Type RTLS / Droneship

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