RAISE-4 is a Japanese technology-demo satellite launched under JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program, flying aboard a dedicated mission from Rocket Lab out of New Zealand. The single small satellite will carry eight experimental technologies from Japanese industry and academia, with the goal of validating new on-orbit capabilities such as onboard processing, advanced sensors, propulsion systems, and autonomous operations.
Among the payloads aboard RAISE-4 is a deployable sail system (D-SAIL) that increases atmospheric drag to accelerate de-orbiting, as well as a commercial-grade GPU module for edge-computing in orbit, and an electric propulsion experiment. Together these systems support Japan’s push to enhance its small-satellite ecosystem, deepen commercial partnerships, and leverage dedicated small-launch access for flexible space missions.
The launch date was Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 3:09 AM (UTC).
RAISE-4
RAISE-4 is a Japanese technology-demo satellite launched under JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program, flying aboard a dedicated mission from Rocket Lab out of New Zealand. The single small satellite will carry eight experimental technologies from Japanese industry and academia, with the goal of validating new on-orbit capabilities such as onboard processing, advanced sensors, propulsion systems, and autonomous operations.
Among the payloads aboard RAISE-4 is a deployable sail system (D-SAIL) that increases atmospheric drag to accelerate de-orbiting, as well as a commercial-grade GPU module for edge-computing in orbit, and an electric propulsion experiment. Together these systems support Japan’s push to enhance its small-satellite ecosystem, deepen commercial partnerships, and leverage dedicated small-launch access for flexible space missions.