Rocket Lab is preparing to launch a Japanese technology-demonstration satellite from its New Zealand facility later tonight, marking a significant milestone in its partnership with Japan's national space agency. The mission, named "RAISE and Shine," is scheduled to lift off at 10 p.m. EST.
The launch will utilize the company's Electron rocket to deliver the satellite into a precise low Earth orbit. This flight is the first of a two-mission contract directly with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), further solidifying Rocket Lab's position as a key launch provider for international partners.
Key Takeaways
- Rocket Lab's "RAISE and Shine" mission will launch a Japanese satellite tonight at 10 p.m. EST.
- The payload is JAXA's RAISE-4 satellite, designed to test eight new space technologies.
- This is the first mission under a direct contract between Rocket Lab and JAXA.
- The launch continues a record-breaking year for Rocket Lab, with this being its 19th mission of 2025.
Mission Details and Objectives
The primary payload for tonight's mission is the Rapid Innovative payload demonstration Satellite-4, or RAISE-4. The satellite is designed to serve as an orbital testbed for a variety of new technologies developed across Japan.
According to mission documents, RAISE-4 will demonstrate eight distinct technologies. These innovations originate from a mix of private companies, universities, and research institutions, showcasing a collaborative national effort to advance Japan's space capabilities.
The 59-foot (18-meter) Electron rocket is tasked with deploying RAISE-4 into a circular orbit approximately 336 miles (540 kilometers) above the Earth's surface. This altitude provides a stable environment for the satellite to conduct its technology validation experiments over its operational lifetime.
A Growing Partnership with Japan
While this is the first launch contracted directly with JAXA, Rocket Lab has a well-established history of serving Japanese clients. The company has successfully launched more than 20 missions for various commercial and governmental entities based in Japan, building a strong reputation for reliability and precision.
The "RAISE and Shine" mission is the initial flight in a two-part agreement with JAXA. A second mission, which will be a rideshare flight carrying multiple payloads, is already scheduled for early next year, indicating a deepening relationship between the two organizations.
A Record-Setting Year for Rocket Lab
Tonight's launch is set to continue an impressive operational tempo for the California-based aerospace company. This will be Rocket Lab's 19th mission of 2025, a year that has already seen the company surpass its previous annual launch record.
By the Numbers: Rocket Lab in 2025
- 19 Total Missions: Including tonight's planned launch.
- 16 Orbital Flights: Delivering satellites to orbit using the Electron rocket.
- 3 Suborbital Launches: Conducted with the HASTE variant for hypersonic technology testing.
- 100% Success Rate: All missions launched in 2025 have been successful.
The company's previous record was 16 launches, set in 2024. The increased frequency demonstrates Rocket Lab's growing capacity and efficiency in the competitive small-satellite launch market. The flawless success rate throughout the year underscores the reliability of its Electron launch vehicle.
"RAISE-4 will demonstrate eight technologies developed by private companies, universities, and research institutions throughout Japan," Rocket Lab stated in its official mission description, highlighting the collaborative nature of the payload.
Expanding Launch Capabilities
The majority of Rocket Lab's missions this year have been standard orbital deliveries. However, the company has also diversified its services. Three of the launches in 2025 were suborbital flights using HASTE, a modified version of the Electron rocket.
HASTE, which stands for Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron, is designed to provide customers with a platform for testing hypersonic technologies in a relevant flight environment. This expansion into suborbital testing has opened a new market segment for the company, complementing its core satellite launch business.
The consistent performance and expanding service offerings position Rocket Lab as a versatile and dependable partner for a global customer base, from commercial satellite operators to national space agencies like JAXA.
Space enthusiasts and the public can watch the launch live, with a webcast scheduled to begin approximately 30 minutes before the 10 p.m. EST liftoff from Rocket Lab's launch complex in New Zealand.