Japanese Satellite Technology Demonstration: Electron Liftoff | Rocket Lab FriendsofNASA.org: On December 14, 2025, Rocket Lab successfully launched its first dedicated mission for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). This demonstrates how the Electron rocket can provide "regular, reliable, and dedicated access to space." The “RAISE And Shine” mission lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand on at 03:09 UTC / 16:09 NZDT to successfully deploy the agency’s RApid Innova