RAISE And Shine was Rocket Labs 19th launch of the year, extending the companys new annual launch record set last month following two missions conducted within 48 hours.
Rocket Lab Corporation has carried out its first dedicated launch mission for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, underscoring the growing global role of its Electron rocket in providing reliable and tailored access to space.
The mission, named RAISE And Shine, lifted off from Rocket Labs Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand and deployed JAXAs RApid Innovative payload demonstration SatellitE-4 (RAISE-4). The spacecraft is designed to test eight advanced technologies developed by private companies, universities and research institutions across Japan. The launch marks the first of two dedicated missions Rocket Lab will conduct for JAXA under the agencys Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Programme, which aims to validate new capabilities emerging from Japans space sector.
The successful mission highlights the increasing collaboration between commercial launch providers and national space agencies worldwide. Electron has established itself as a leading small-launch vehicle in the United States and is increasingly being selected by international customers seeking dependable, dedicated launch services. Rocket Lab has confirmed that a second dedicated Electron mission for JAXA is planned for the first quarter of 2026, while a dedicated launch for the European Space Agency is also scheduled for the coming year.
Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, said: “This dedicated mission delivered precision and reliability for one of the worlds most respected space agencies, and we couldnt be prouder of supporting JAXA with the dedicated access to space needed to support the growth of Japans aerospace economy. Were proud to continue delivering the responsiveness and performance that Japans satellite operators have come to rely on.”
RAISE And Shine was Rocket Labs 19th launch of the year, extending the companys new annual launch record set last month following two missions conducted within 48 hours. The companys next launch in 2025 is expected to take place from Launch Complex 2 later this month, with further details to be announced shortly.
