Rocket Lab completes first dedicated JAXA mission with Electron launch

by Simon Mansfield
Mahia, New Zealand (SPX) Dec 16, 2025
Rocket Lab Corporation has carried out its first dedicated launch for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), advancing the role of the Electron small launch vehicle in Japan's satellite technology demonstration program. The mission marks a new step in collaboration between Rocket Lab and JAXA in support of Japan's growing space activities.

The flight, named RAISE And Shine, lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula on December 14, 2025 at 03:09 UTC / 16:09 NZDT. Electron deployed the RApid Innovative payload demonstration SatellitE-4 (RAISE-4), which carries eight technology demonstration payloads developed by private companies, universities, and research institutions across Japan.

RAISE-4 is the latest spacecraft flown under JAXA's Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program, which is designed to place new space hardware and techniques into orbit for on-orbit verification. The program focuses on giving Japan-based developers access to space to validate sensors, subsystems, and other technologies under operational conditions.

Rocket Lab stated that the JAXA mission continues the trend of commercial launch providers working directly with national space agencies for dedicated access to orbit. Electron, which already flies regularly from New Zealand and the United States, is being used as a dedicated launch option for small satellites that require specific orbits and schedules.

Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck said: "This dedicated mission delivered precision and reliability for one of the world's most respected space agencies, and we couldn't be prouder of supporting JAXA with the dedicated access to space needed to support the growth of Japan's aerospace economy. We're proud to continue delivering the responsiveness and performance that Japan's satellite operators have come to rely on."

RAISE And Shine was Rocket Lab's 19th Electron launch of 2025, extending the company's annual launch record set earlier in the year. That record included two Electron missions flown within 48 hours, underscoring the company's current cadence for small satellite launch.

Rocket Lab plans another Electron mission before the end of 2025, scheduled to lift off from Launch Complex 2 in the United States. The company also has a second dedicated JAXA mission slated for the first quarter of 2026 under the same demonstration program, along with a dedicated Electron launch for the European Space Agency planned in the new year.