rocket Lab Launches Japanese Satellite to Orbit in latest Mission
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida – Rocket Lab successfully launched a Japanese technology exhibition satellite, RAISE-4, to orbit tonight, continuing a record-breaking year for the California-based launch provider. The Electron rocket lifted off at [Insert Actual launch Time Here] from Launch Complex 2 at the Space Force station, delivering JAXA‘s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) rapid Innovative payload demonstration Satellite-4 to a circular orbit 336 miles (540 kilometers) above Earth.
This mission marks the first of a two-flight deal between Rocket Lab and JAXA, wiht the second launch scheduled for early next year. Rocket lab has a significant history of supporting Japanese space endeavors, having launched over 20 missions to date for companies based in Japan.
RAISE-4 will demonstrate eight technologies developed by private companies, universities, and research institutions throughout Japan, according to Rocket Lab’s mission description. The satellite’s name reflects its purpose: to “raise” and showcase innovative Japanese technologies in space.
Today’s launch is the 18th orbital mission completed by Rocket Lab in 2025, all of which have been successful. Fifteen of these were standard orbital launches, while the remaining three were suborbital flights utilizing the HASTE vehicle – a modified Electron designed for hypersonic technology testing for customers like the U.S. military. This surpasses Rocket Lab’s previous single-year record of 16 launches, set in 2024.
