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Dec 15, 2025 8:00 AM

Rocket Lab Deploys First Dedicated Launch For Japan's Space Agency

Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) on Sunday disclosed that it successfully completed the first dedicated launch, “RAISE And Shine” mission, for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Details

The mission launched from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand on Dec. 14, 2025, at 03:09 UTC (16:09 NZDT).

This successfully placed JAXA’s RApid Innovative payload demonstration Satellite-4 (RAISE-4) into orbit.

Also Read: Rocket Lab (RKLB) Shares Soar 19% Before JAXA Mission Launch

The spacecraft carries eight technology demonstrations developed by private companies, universities, and research institutions across Japan.

The flight marks the ...