TLDR
- Rocket Lab signed a contract with JAXA for two dedicated Electron launches from New Zealand
- First mission in December 2025 will deploy RAISE-4 spacecraft demonstrating eight Japanese technologies
- Second launch in 2026 will carry eight spacecraft including educational satellites and ocean monitoring systems
- The deal adds to Rocket Lab’s portfolio of over two dozen missions booked for Japanese clients through 2030
- Stock rose 7.14% on the announcement but faces volatility due to recent insider selling activity
Rocket Lab signed a contract with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency for two dedicated Electron rocket launches. The announcement came Friday morning from the company’s Long Beach headquarters.
The first mission launches in December 2025 from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. It will deploy the RAISE-4 spacecraft, which carries eight technology demonstrations from Japanese companies, universities, and research institutions.
The second launch is scheduled for 2026. This mission will carry eight separate spacecraft with different purposes.
The payload includes educational small satellites for academic institutions. An ocean monitoring satellite will join the manifest along with a demonstration satellite for ultra-small multispectral cameras.
One spacecraft will test a deployable antenna using origami folding techniques. The Japanese paper-folding art form provides a compact solution for space hardware.
Growing Japanese Portfolio
Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck called it an honor to support JAXA’s innovation goals. The company has built strong ties with Japan’s space industry over several years.
The deal brings Rocket Lab’s total Japanese mission count to over two dozen through 2030. These launches include constellation deployments for satellite operators iQPS and Synspective.
Rocket Lab previously launched for Astroscale-Japan in February 2024. That mission supported an orbital debris removal program.
The company also flew a 2019 mission for Tokyo-based company ALE. That track record helped secure the latest JAXA contract.
Stock Movement and Insider Activity
Shares jumped 7.14% following the announcement. The stock has gained 166% year-to-date and surged over 600% in the past year.
Market capitalization stands at $31.61 billion. The company reported 54% revenue growth with a current ratio of 2.67.
However, analysts noted caution around recent insider selling. The selling activity creates volatility despite positive contract news.
Market Position
Rocket Lab markets the Electron as the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket. The company continues developing its larger Neutron launch vehicle.
Average trading volume runs at 23 million shares. Technical indicators currently show a buy signal.
The company maintains strong liquidity to support its launch commitments. Financial metrics show the stock trades above some fair value estimates.
Details about the December launch will be announced soon. The company has not released specific timing for the 2026 mission beyond the calendar year.
