First Dedicated Electron Launch for JAXA Scheduled
‘Raise and Shine’ Window Opens December 5
The launch window for the first of two dedicated Rocket Lab Electron launches for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) opens on December 5 UTC (10 pm EST December 4). The mission, named “RAISE And Shine”, will deploy the agency’s RApid Innovative payload demonstration SatellitE-4 (RAISE-4) spacecraft, a single satellite that will demonstrate eight technologies developed by private companies, universities, and research institutions throughout Japan.
“RAISE And Shine” is the first of two dedicated launches for JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program, an initiative by the agency to demonstrate new and innovative capabilities and technologies developed by Japan’s space economy. The second dedicated launch on Electron for the program is scheduled take place from Q1 2026. The missions are Rocket Lab’s first dedicated Electron launches directly contracted with JAXA, emphasizing Electron’s importance to reliable global space access for both domestic and allied international space agencies.
“RAISE And Shine” is also scheduled to be Rocket Lab’s 19th launch this year, continuing Rocket Lab’s record-breaking run of dedicated launches in a single year. Electron’s launch cadence has increased every year since its first launch as global demand continues to rise for dedicated launch to space for government and commercial small satellites.
The second launch is scheduled to take place early in 2026 as a rideshare mission manifested by JAXA. Each mission will utilize a Rocket Lab Motorized Lightband; a separation system for the satellite to attach to and deploy from Electron once in space.
With over 20 dedicated missions booked to fly on Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle through to 2028, the partnership between Rocket Lab and Japanese satellite operators continues to strengthen, enabling the deployment of innovative new satellite constellations and advancing Japan’s leadership in space exploration and technology.
Among the missions scheduled are constellation deployment launches for satellite operators iQPS and Synspective, both of which are pioneering advancements in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology for high-resolution Earth imaging.