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LONG BEACH - Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq:RKLB) announced Monday that it will conduct the first of two dedicated Electron launches for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) with a launch window opening on December 5. The space launch provider, currently valued at $22.64 billion, has demonstrated strong revenue growth of 52.42% over the last twelve months according to InvestingPro data.
The mission, named "RAISE And Shine," will deploy JAXA’s RApid Innovative payload demonstration SatellitE-4 (RAISE-4) spacecraft from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. The satellite will demonstrate eight technologies developed by Japanese private companies, universities, and research institutions.
This launch represents the first of two dedicated missions for JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program, with the second launch scheduled for Q1 2026. These missions mark Rocket Lab’s first dedicated Electron launches directly contracted with JAXA.
According to the press release statement, the upcoming mission is expected to be Rocket Lab’s 19th launch this year, continuing what the company describes as a record-breaking year of dedicated launches. The company noted that Electron’s launch cadence has increased annually since its first launch due to rising global demand for dedicated small satellite launches. This operational momentum aligns with the company’s impressive five-year revenue CAGR of 55%, though InvestingPro data shows the company remains unprofitable with an EBITDA of -$192.24 million in the last twelve months.
The RAISE-4 mission launch window opens at 03:00 UTC on December 5, corresponding to 4:00 p.m. New Zealand time, 12:00 p.m. Japan time, and 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 4.
Rocket Lab provides launch services, spacecraft, payloads, and satellite components for commercial, government, and national security markets. The company’s Electron rocket specializes in orbital small rocket launches, while its in-development Neutron launch vehicle aims to serve constellation deployment, national security, and exploration missions.
In other recent news, Rocket Lab USA has set a new annual record with 18 successful Electron launches in 2025, achieving a 100% mission success rate. The most recent mission, named "Follow My Speed," launched from New Zealand’s Launch Complex 1, deploying a payload for a commercial customer. This achievement comes shortly after the company completed its 75th launch from Launch Complex 2 in Virginia. Additionally, Cantor Fitzgerald has raised its price target for Rocket Lab to $72, maintaining an Overweight rating, citing a strong backlog and the company’s third-quarter performance. Rocket Lab reported revenue and earnings per share that exceeded expectations for the quarter, although adjusted EBITDA was below forecasts. Goldman Sachs has maintained a Neutral rating with a $47 price target, referencing delays in the Neutron rocket program. Meanwhile, KeyBanc Capital Markets continues to hold an Overweight rating with a $75 price target, noting growth in Rocket Lab’s core business despite the Neutron program delays.
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