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Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) successfully launched its first dedicated mission for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency on December 14, 2025, lifting off at 03:09 UTC / 16:09 NZDT from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand.
The Electron mission, dubbed “RAISE And Shine,” deployed JAXA’s RApid Innovative payload demonstration Satellite‑4 (RAISE‑4), carrying eight technology demonstrations from Japanese companies, universities and research institutions. This was Rocket Lab’s 19th launch of 2025 and extends the company’s recent annual launch record. Rocket Lab has announced a second dedicated JAXA mission for Q1 2026 and a dedicated European Space Agency mission for the new year, underscoring continued international demand for Electron.
Positive Highlights
- First dedicated JAXA mission completed on December 14, 2025
- Deployed RAISE‑4 with eight Japanese technology demonstrations
- 19 launches in 2025, extending Rocket Lab’s annual launch record
- Follow‑up missions scheduled: JAXA in Q1 2026 and ESA in the new year
Key Figures
Current price
$61.49
Prior to JAXA launch announcement
Price change 24h
-3.21%
Session before news publication
52‑week range
$14.71–$73.97
52‑week low and high before news
200‑day MA
$38.47
Technical context pre‑announcement
Mission launch time
03:09 UTC / 16:09 NZDT
RAISE And Shine liftoff on Dec 14, 2025
Technologies demonstrated
8 technologies
Payload on JAXA RAISE‑4 satellite
Electron launches 2025
19th launch
RAISE And Shine mission count in 2025
Back‑to‑back cadence
2 launches in 48 hours
Previous Electron missions mentioned in article
Market Reality Check
$61.49
Last Close
Volume
Volume 33,146,627 is about 1.7× the 20‑day average of 19,450,115 shares.
high
Technical
Price $61.49 is trading above the 200‑day MA of $38.47 and 16.87% below the 52‑week high of $73.97.
Peers on Argus
Peers showed mixed moves: ESLT +0.91%, TXT +0.59%, WWD +0.36% versus declines in CW -2.93% and BWXT -4.65%, suggesting RKLB’s -3.21% move was more stock‑specific than sector‑driven.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 09 | Launch scheduling – Brought forward KAIST Electron launch, highlighting responsiveness and higher cadence. | Positive | +3.6% | Accelerated KAIST mission underscored Rocket Lab’s rapid launch turnaround. |
| Dec 09 | R&D funding win – Canadian Space Agency funding for a new reaction wheel for medium‑class satellites. | Positive | +3.6% | Revenue pipeline expansion through international R&D contracts. |
| Dec 08 | Vehicle milestone – Qualification of the Neutron “Hungry Hippo” fairing with key load‑performance metrics. | Positive | +5.1% | Fairing success increases payload capacity and market appeal for larger customers. |
| Nov 24 | Mission window set – Announcement of launch window for JAXA RAISE And Shine and timing of second mission. | Positive | +0.3% | Clear roadmap for upcoming JAXA missions reinforced investor confidence. |
| Nov 20 | Record cadence – Two Electron launches in two days, setting a new annual record of 18 launches. | Positive | -9.5% | Despite operational achievement, short‑term market reaction turned negative, highlighting occasional divergence between execution milestones and stock price. |
Operational wins and contract awards have historically coincided with positive price moves, yet the record‑cadence milestone generated a sharp short‑term sell‑off, suggesting investors weigh broader macro factors alongside launch execution.
In recent weeks Rocket Lab reported multiple operational milestones and contract wins: a new reaction‑wheel funding award, progress on the Neutron “Hungry Hippo” fairing, a record 18 Electron launches in 2025 with 100% success, and the scheduling—then acceleration—of JAXA’s “RAISE And Shine” mission. The successful dedicated JAXA launch on Dec 14, 2025 extends the launch count to 19 and confirms execution of an expanded manifest.
Market Pulse Summary
The announcement validates Rocket Lab’s ability to deliver dedicated payload services for a major national space agency, reinforcing Electron’s reputation as a reliable small‑launch platform. With a full‑year launch cadence already at a record high, the company is well‑positioned to monetize its growing backlog, especially as JAXA and ESA earmark additional launches for 2026. Investors will be watching the interplay between launch frequency, upcoming government contracts, and the rollout of the Neutron medium‑class vehicle, which promises to broaden Rocket Lab’s addressable market beyond small satellites.
Key Terms
UTC
technical
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the global time standard used to stamp events and deadlines so everyone around the world refers to the same clock. For investors, UTC timestamps provide precise timing for trading windows, regulatory filings and cross‑market coordination.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
MAHIA, New Zealand, Dec. 13, 2025 – Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today successfully launched its first dedicated mission for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), underscoring Electron’s growing role as a reliable, on‑demand access‑to‑space platform.
The “RAISE And Shine” mission lifted off from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand on December 14, 2025 at 03:09 UTC / 16:09 NZDT, deploying JAXA’s Rapid Innovative payload demonstration Satellite‑4 (RAISE‑4). The satellite carried eight technology demonstrations developed by Japanese private firms, universities and research institutions, marking the first of two dedicated flights for JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program.
Rocket Lab’s achievement reflects the deepening integration of commercial launch providers into national space programs worldwide. Electron, already the dominant small‑launch vehicle in the United States, is now the preferred vehicle for international customers, with a second JAXA mission slated for Q1 2026 and a dedicated ESA launch scheduled for early 2026.
Sir Peter Beck, Rocket Lab’s founder and CEO, commented: “This dedicated mission delivered the precision and reliability that JAXA expects, and we are proud to support Japan’s growing aerospace ecosystem. Our rapid launch cadence and responsive service model are core to the value we bring to satellite operators across the globe.”
“RAISE And Shine” was the company’s 19th launch of the year, extending Rocket Lab’s new annual launch record established in January. The next Rocket Lab launch of 2025 is planned from Launch Complex 2 later this month, with further details to be announced.
FAQ
What did Rocket Lab launch for JAXA on December 14, 2025?
Rocket Lab launched the “RAISE And Shine” Electron mission, deploying JAXA’s RAISE‑4 technology‑demonstration satellite.
When and where did the launch occur?
The mission lifted off from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand on December 14, 2025 at 03:09 UTC / 16:09 NZDT.
How many launches has Rocket Lab completed in 2025 including this mission?
The JAXA flight was Rocket Lab’s 19th launch of 2025, extending its record‑setting annual cadence.
What payload did Electron deploy for JAXA?
Electron deployed the RAISE‑4 satellite, which carried eight technology demonstrations from Japanese organizations.
Are additional dedicated JAXA or ESA missions planned?
Yes. A second dedicated JAXA mission is scheduled for Q1 2026, and a dedicated ESA mission is planned for early 2026.
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