Why Is Rocket Lab Stock Up in Premarket Today? JAXA Launch Marks Key Milestone

Rocket Lab Corporation shares are gaining momentum in premarket trading following the successful completion of its first dedicated launch for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The mission, named “RAISE And Shine,” lifted off from Rocket Lab’s New Zealand launch site on December 14, 2025, successfully deploying the RAISE-4 satellite and marking a significant achievement for the company’s Electron rocket.

This milestone represents Rocket Lab’s growing integration into government-backed international space programs and demonstrates the company’s expanding role in the global launch services market.

Electron Completes First Dedicated JAXA Mission

The “RAISE And Shine” mission successfully deployed JAXA’s RAISE-4 spacecraft, which will test eight new space technologies developed by Japanese companies, universities, and research institutions. The satellite is part of JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program, an initiative designed to showcase innovative capabilities and support the growth of Japan’s space economy.

This marks the first of two dedicated missions Rocket Lab will conduct for JAXA, with the second launch scheduled for early 2026.

The successful JAXA launch demonstrates Rocket Lab’s expanding global footprint in government space programs. The company’s Electron rocket has established itself as the preferred choice for reliable small satellite launches internationally, with missions now secured not only with JAXA but also with the European Space Agency for 2026.

This growing list of government and international customers positions Rocket Lab to capture steady launch revenue as demand for small satellites continues to rise across both commercial and government sectors.

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RKLB Shares Rise in Premarket After Launch Success

As of 7:29 AM EST on December 15, 2025, Rocket Lab shares were trading at $62.80 in premarket, up $1.31 or 2.13% from the previous close of $61.49. The stock had declined 3.21% during the regular session on December 12 before rebounding on news of the successful JAXA mission. The company’s market capitalization stands at approximately $32.85 billion, reflecting strong investor confidence in its growth trajectory.

The JAXA mission represents Rocket Lab’s 19th launch of 2025, extending a new annual record the company established just last month. This achievement follows an impressive demonstration of launch capability when Rocket Lab completed two Electron launches within 48 hours, showcasing its ability to maintain frequent and reliable launch schedules.

Year-to-date, RKLB has delivered exceptional returns of 141.42%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500’s 16.08% gain over the same period. The stock’s 52-week range spans from $14.71 to $73.97, with shares trading at $62.60 at the opening bell on December 12, demonstrating sustained momentum as the company continues to expand its launch manifest and strengthen relationships with major space agencies worldwide.

Disclaimer: The author does not hold or have a position in any securities discussed in the article. All stock prices were quoted at the time of writing.