Overview
- The 'RAISE And Shine' Electron mission will lift off from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand during a window opening Dec. 5 UTC.
- JAXA’s RAISE-4 satellite on this flight will test eight technologies developed by Japanese companies, universities and research institutions.
- The launch is the first of two dedicated Electron missions for JAXA’s technology demonstration program, with a second flight planned for Q1 2026.
- The flight is slated to be Rocket Lab’s 19th of 2025, underscoring the company’s increased small-satellite launch cadence.
- Rocket Lab shares rose after hours on the news, with fresh analyst notes maintaining positive ratings, and the company still targets Neutron hardware arrival at Launch Complex 3 in Q1 2026 ahead of a first flight thereafter.