Rocket Lab Electron Launch of Japanese Satellite Technology Demonstrations

Rocket Lab Electron Launch of Japanese Satellite Technology Demonstrations

Rocket Lab successfully launched its second dedicated mission for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The “Kakushin Rising” Mission lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, at 3:09 p.m. New Zealand Time to deploy eight spacecraft for JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program that included educational small sats, an ocean-monitoring satellite, a demonstration satellite for ultra-small multispectral cameras, and a deployable antenna packed tightly using origami folding techniques that can unfurl up to 25 times its size.

Rocket Lab’s first dedicated launch for JAXA took place in December 2025. Rocket Lab's Electron rocket deployed the RAISE-4 spacecraft that demonstrated new aerospace technologies developed by several companies, universities, and research institutions in Japan. 

“Kakushin Rising” was Rocket Lab’s 8th launch of the year and 87th launch overall. Upcoming launches in 2026 include missions for commercial Earth observation, plus new space technology demonstrations on orbit.

Rocket Lab:
https://www.rocketlabusa.com

Image Credit: Rocket Lab

Date: April 23, 2025

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