RocketLab sends Japanese communications satellite into orbit

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United Press International
RocketLab sends Japanese communications satellite into orbit
Mark Moran
Sun, December 14, 2025 at 1:45 PM EST
2 min read



RocketLab on Sunday launched the "RAISE and Shine" mission for Japan's space agency aboard its Electron rocket. Photo by RocketLab/X


Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Rocket Lab has successfully launched an Electron technology demonstration satellite for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

The Saturday mission was the 77th Electron launch, and deployed JAXA's Rapid Innovation Payload Demonstration Satellite 4, known as RAISE 4, into a low-Earth orbit, 325 miles above the ground, about 55 minutes after liftoff.

The Electron mission lifted off from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex in New Zealand at 10:09 p.m. EST.

RAISE 4 is carrying eight payloads to test propulsion and communications systems, a drag sail designed to assist a spacecraft in deorbiting, and a handful of other things.

"This dedicated mission delivered precision and reliability for one of the world's most respected space agencies, and we couldn't be prouder of supporting JAXA with the dedicated access to space needed to support the growth of Japan's aerospace economy," Rocket Lab Chief Executive Peter Beck said following the Saturday launch.

The satellite was originally scheduled to launch aboard Japan's Epsilon-S rocket, but that craft was grounded after a launch, which delayed the mission. It was delayed still further by a series of solid rocker motor failures during ground testing.

Rocket Lab signed a contract with JAXA for a pair of Electron launches, one of which was scheduled to travel aboard RAISE 4, and another for a series of eight cube satellites that will now launch on a separate Electron mission next year.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/tech/science/articles/rocketlab-sends-japanese-communications-satellite-184556704.html