Rocket Lab up on first successful launch for Japan's space agency

Shares of space company Rocket Lab RKLB.O up 2.5% at $63.03 premarket

RKLB says it has launched its first dedicated mission for Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

Co says the “RAISE And Shine” mission lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand on December 14, 2025 at 03:09 UTC

Mission was to deploy agency’s RApid Innovative payload demonstration SatellitE-4 (RAISE-4) spacecraft, co says

RKLB says mission was the first of two dedicated missions for JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program

Up to last close, RKLB had more than doubled YTD