Rocket Lab Corporation, a global leader in launch services and space systems, has successfully launched its second dedicated mission for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), further strengthening the partnership between Rocket Lab and Japan’s national space agency.
The “Kakushin Rising” mission lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 3:09 p.m. NZT, successfully deploying eight spacecraft for JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program. The payloads included educational small satellites, 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.
“Kakushin Rising” builds on the success of Rocket Lab’s first dedicated launch for JAXA, which took place in December 2025 and saw Electron deploy the RAISE-4 spacecraft — a mission that demonstrated new aerospace technologies developed by several companies, universities, and research institutions throughout Japan. As with that first mission, Rocket Lab worked closely with JAXA on “Kakushin Rising” to ensure the mission requirements for each satellite were met with precision and efficiency, reaffirming Electron’s reputation for reliability and mission success.
Sir Peter Beck, Founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, stated:
“Two successful missions in a matter of months, deployed precisely where they needed to be on orbit, shows exactly why Electron is the preferred small launcher for national space agencies. JAXA is a world leader in space, and it has been an honor to be trusted with these back-to-back missions growing Japan’s aerospace economy.”
“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, new space technology demonstrations on orbit, and national security and defense.
