On December 14, 2025, Rocket Lab successfully launched the RApid Innovative payload demonstration SatellitE-4 (RAISE-4) for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), marking the first dedicated mission directly contracted between the U.S.-based company and Japan's premier space agency. The mission, dubbed "RAISE And Shine," lifted off from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 on the Māhia Peninsula in New Zealand at 03:09 UTC (16:09 NZDT local time, or 10:09 p.m. EST on December 13). The Electron rocket deployed the satellite into a 540-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit approximately 55 minutes after launch, confirming mission success.
The RAISE-4 satellite, weighing around 110 kg, serves as a platform for demonstrating eight innovative technologies developed collaboratively by Japanese private companies, universities, and research institutions. This initiative falls under JAXA's Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program, which aims to accelerate the testing and validation of emerging space technologies to bolster Japan's domestic aerospace sector. The payloads include advancements in areas such as compact electric propulsion systems, AI-driven orbital object detection, and deployable antennas, among others.
"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," said Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck in a post-launch statement. "We’re proud to continue delivering the responsiveness and performance that Japan’s satellite operators have come to rely on."
The launch was originally scheduled for early December but faced delays due to unfavorable weather conditions and additional pre-launch technical checks. Despite these postponements, the mission proceeded smoothly, extending Rocket Lab's impressive 2025 launch cadence to 19 missions—the company's new annual record. This achievement builds on Rocket Lab's 100% success rate for Electron launches throughout the year, solidifying its position as a leading provider of small satellite orbital access.
This collaboration represents a significant milestone in international space partnerships. It is the first of two dedicated Electron launches contracted by JAXA. The second mission, planned for the first quarter of 2026, will deploy a rideshare of eight CubeSats also focused on advanced technology demonstrations. These satellites were initially intended to launch alongside RAISE-4 on a single vehicle but were separated due to delays in Japan's domestic launch capabilities.
The shift to Rocket Lab highlights challenges faced by JAXA's indigenous small launch program. Previous RAISE missions and similar technology demonstrators relied on Japan's Epsilon solid-fuel rocket series. However, the Epsilon program encountered major setbacks, including a launch failure in October 2022 when the Epsilon-6 rocket deviated from its trajectory shortly after liftoff, prompting controllers to issue a self-destruct command. This incident destroyed eight satellites onboard.
Further complications arose with the upgraded Epsilon-S variant. In July 2023, a ground test of the second-stage solid rocket motor resulted in an explosion due to excessive heat causing a metal part from the ignition device to melt and scatter, damaging the propellant and insulation. A subsequent test in November 2024 also failed, further delaying the Epsilon-S debut and grounding the vehicle indefinitely. These issues created a launch bottleneck for JAXA's small satellite missions, prompting the agency to seek commercial alternatives like Rocket Lab's reliable Electron rocket.
JAXA's partnership with Rocket Lab, announced in October 2025, underscores a broader trend in the global space industry: national agencies increasingly turning to private launch providers for dedicated, responsive access to orbit. Rocket Lab's Electron, known for its frequent and precise deployments, has become a preferred option for international customers, including upcoming dedicated missions for the European Space Agency.
The successful deployment of RAISE-4 not only advances Japan's space technology roadmap but also demonstrates the growing interdependence between government space programs and commercial entities. By leveraging Rocket Lab's infrastructure, JAXA can maintain momentum in its innovation pipeline despite domestic delays, fostering advancements in fields like satellite propulsion, AI applications in space, and lightweight deployable structures.
This mission adds to Rocket Lab's expanding portfolio of government contracts, reinforcing Electron's role in supporting small satellite constellations, scientific research, and national security payloads worldwide. As the small launch market continues to mature, partnerships like this one are expected to proliferate, enabling faster iteration and deployment of cutting-edge space technologies.
