Rocket Lab Wins Series of Launch Contracts with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency JAXA
Rocket Lab Secures Key Japanese Partnership for Electron Launches
Japanese Space Advancements with Rocket Lab’s Electron
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB), a global leader in the aerospace arena, has successfully inked a pivotal contract with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for two dedicated Electron launches. Highlighting the strategic value of Rocket Lab’s Electron rockets, these missions are set to enhance Japan’s presence in space technology and innovation, with both launches taking place at Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand.
Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program
The collaboration kicks off with two significant launches for JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program. Scheduled for December 2025, the first mission will feature the deployment of RApid Innovative payload demonstration SatellitE-4 (RAISE-4), which will showcase eight advanced technologies orchestrated by Japan’s top private firms, universities, and research bodies. The subsequent mission in 2026 will encompass a diverse rideshare of eight spacecraft, including educational smallsats, an ocean monitoring apparatus, and a satellite boasting compact multispectral camera technology with an origami-folded deployable antenna.
Leadership and Technological Expertise
Rocket Lab’s founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, expressed the company’s honor in contributing to JAXA’s innovative objectives and furthering Japan’s space exploration legacy. “These missions underscore Electron’s global significance in nurturing Japan’s burgeoning space sector,” said Beck. “JAXA’s trust reflects our commitment to reliable and responsive space access for both extensive constellation builds and specialized custom launches.”
Supporting Japan’s Space Industry Triumphs
Rocket Lab remains at the forefront as a preferred partner for Japan’s space industry leaders, securing over two dozen mission contracts destined to fly through the remainder of the decade. This commitment includes plans for further constellations with operators like iQPS and Synspective, alongside numerous successful launches boasting a flawless mission success rate for the year.
Track Record of Success
| Year | Mission | Client |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | On Closer Inspection | Astroscale-Japan |
| 2019 | Running Out Of Fingers | ALE |
The “On Closer Inspection” mission in early 2024 demonstrated a successful debut for Astroscale-Japan’s orbital debris removal initiative, while the 2019 “Running Out Of Fingers” mission catered to Tokyo-based ALE. Details regarding the upcoming launch for JAXA are anticipated soon.
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab stands as a key player in the space sector, providing comprehensive launch services alongside spacecraft and satellite components tailored for commercial, governmental, and defense markets. As a Nasdaq-listed entity, Rocket Lab’s arsenal includes the Electron rocket, the most frequently launched small orbital rocket, alongside the HASTE rocket for hypersonic applications. The upcoming Neutron launch vehicle aims to broaden medium launch strategies, facilitating constellation deployment and exploration activities across the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
