JAXA

words.Rocket Lab’s Electron lifted off from Mahia, New Zealand, on Dec 14 2025 (03:09 UTC) for the “RAISE And Shine” mission, its first dedicated launch for JAXA. The flight deployed the RAISE‑4 satellite, carrying eight Japanese technology‑demonstration payloads. It marked Rocket Lab’s 19th launch of 2025, extending its record annual cadence. The company has slated a second JAXA mission for Q1 2026 and a dedicated ESA launch in early 2026, underscoring growing international demand for its small‑launch services.

Rocket Lab’s stock surged over 20% this week, driven by new launch agreements, including deals with JAXA, iQPS, and Synspective. The stock is up nearly 50% in two weeks and has almost tripled year-to-date. These contracts highlight Rocket Lab’s growing role as a trusted launch provider, particularly for Japanese entities. Short covering may also be contributing to the rise. The broader space sector is experiencing renewed investor interest, benefiting companies like Rocket Lab.