Rocket Lab to Launch Japanese Tech Satellite, Continuing Record-Breaking Year
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Rocket Lab is poised to launch a cutting-edge technology demonstration satellite for Japan tonight, December 6th, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growing partnership with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The launch will be broadcast live, offering space enthusiasts a front-row seat to this pivotal mission.
The 59-foot-tall (18 meters) Electron rocket is scheduled to lift off from Rocket Lab’s launch complex in New Zealand at 10 p.m. EST (0300 GMT and 4 p.m. local New Zealand time on Sunday, December 7th). Rocket Lab will begin its live stream 30 minutes prior to launch, and Space.com is expected to carry the feed.
Expanding Partnership with JAXA
This mission, dubbed “RAISE and Shine,” represents the first direct contract between Rocket Lab and JAXA. It’s the initial flight of a two-mission agreement, with a rideshare launch planned for early next year. However, the California-based launch provider already boasts a substantial history of collaboration with Japan, having successfully launched over 20 missions for companies based in the country.
RAISE-4: A Platform for Innovation
Today’s launch will deliver JAXA’s Rapid Innovative payload demonstration Satellite-4, or RAISE-4, to a circular orbit 336 miles (540 kilometers) above Earth. As the satellite’s name suggests, RAISE-4 is designed to showcase eight new technologies developed by a diverse range of Japanese entities, including private companies, universities, and research institutions. According to a company release, the satellite will serve as a crucial testing ground for these advancements.
A Year of Unprecedented Success
“RAISE and Shine” is set to cap off a landmark year for Rocket Lab. Through December 6th, the company has successfully completed 18 missions in 2025, with all launches achieving their intended objectives. Of these, 15 have been orbital flights, while the remaining three involved suborbital launches utilizing HASTE, a specialized version of the Electron rocket engineered for testing hypersonic technologies.
This surpasses Rocket Lab’s previous single-year record of 16 launches, set in 2024, solidifying its position as a leading provider of dedicated small satellite launch services.
