Rocket Lab launches second dedicated mission for Japan space agency

Go back to Rocket Lab launches second dedicated mission for Japan space agency

Rocket Lab Completes Second Dedicated Launch for Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

April 23, 2026 12:56 AM EDT

MAHIA, New Zealand, April 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) (Rocket Lab or the Company), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today successfully launched its second dedicated mission for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), further strengthening the partnership between Rocket Lab and Japans national space agency.

The Kakushin Rising mission lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 3:09 p.m. NZT to successfully deploy eight spacecraft for JAXAs Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program that included educational small sats, an ocean-monitoring satellite, a demonstration satellite for ultra-small... More