Rocket Lab Schedules First Dedicated Launch for Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Rhea-AI Summary
Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) announced the launch window for its mission “RAISE And Shine”, the first of two dedicated Electron launches contracted directly with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The mission will lift from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand and the launch window opens on December 5, 2025 (UTC). It will deploy JAXA’s RAISE-4 single satellite to demonstrate eight technologies from Japanese companies, universities, and research institutions. A second dedicated Electron for the same JAXA program is scheduled for Q1 2026. This flight is slated to be Rocket Lab’s 19th launch in 2025, reflecting an increasing Electron launch cadence.
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Insights
Scheduled dedicated Electron launch for JAXA signals strengthened government demand and higher operational cadence for Rocket Lab.
Rocket Lab secured and scheduled the first of two dedicated Electron missions directly contracted with JAXA, with a launch window opening on
The main dependencies are operational execution and timing: successful range support from the New Zealand launch complex, on-time integration of the RAISE-4 payload, and meeting the stated launch window. Delays or anomalies would affect near-term cadence claims and any short-term revenue recognition tied to mission completion. Watch the
LONG BEACH, Calif., Nov. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced the launch window for the first of two dedicated Electron launches with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The mission, named “RAISE And Shine”, will launch from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand during a launch window that opens on December 5 UTC. The mission will deploy the agency’s RApid Innovative payload demonstration SatellitE-4 (RAISE-4) spacecraft, a single satellite that will demonstrate eight technologies developed by private companies, universities, and research institutions throughout Japan.
“RAISE And Shine” is the first of two dedicated launches for JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program, an initiative by the agency to demonstrate new and innovative capabilities and technologies developed by Japan’s space economy. The second dedicated launch on Electron for the program is scheduled take place from Q1 2026. The missions are Rocket Lab’s first dedicated Electron launches directly contracted with JAXA, emphasizing Electron’s importance to reliable global space access for both domestic and allied international space agencies.
“RAISE And Shine” is also scheduled to be Rocket Lab’s 19th launch this year, continuing Rocket Lab’s record-breaking run of dedicated launches in a single year. Electron’s launch cadence has increased every year since its first launch as global demand continues to rise for dedicated launch to space for government and commercial small satellites.
“RAISE And Shine” launch information: https://rocketlabcorp.com/missions/next-mission/
“RAISE And Shine” launch window:
- 03:00 UTC, December 5
- 4:00 p.m. NZDT, December 5
- 12:00 p.m. JST, December 5
- 10:00 p.m. ET, December 4
- 7:00 p.m. PT, December 4
Rocket Lab Media Contact
Murielle Baker
media@rocketlabusa.com
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is a leading space company that provides launch services, spacecraft, payloads and satellite components serving commercial, government, and national security markets. Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket; its HASTE rocket provides hypersonic test launch capability for the U.S. government and allied nations; and its Neutron launch vehicle in development will unlock medium launch for constellation deployment, national security and exploration missions. Rocket Lab’s spacecraft and satellite components have enabled more than 1,700 missions spanning commercial, defense and national security missions including GPS, constellations, and exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, and Venus. Rocket Lab is a publicly listed company on the Nasdaq stock exchange (RKLB). Learn more at www.rocketlabcorp.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding our launch and space systems operations, launch schedule and window, safe and repeatable access to space, Neutron development, operational expansion and business strategy are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “plan,” “target,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the factors, risks and uncertainties included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Relations section of our website at www.rocketlabcorp.com, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change.
FAQ
When does Rocket Lab (RKLB) plan to launch the JAXA RAISE And Shine mission?
What will the RAISE-4 satellite on RKLB's RAISE And Shine mission do?
Where will Rocket Lab (RKLB) launch the JAXA RAISE And Shine mission from?
Is this Rocket Lab's first dedicated launch contracted directly with JAXA (RKLB)?
When is the second dedicated Electron launch for JAXA scheduled for RKLB?
What does the RAISE And Shine mission mean for Rocket Lab's 2025 launch cadence?
