After Soaring 174% in 2025, Is Rocket Lab Stock a Buy in 2026?

Company Overview - Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company based in California, providing launch services, rockets, spacecraft, and satellite components [4] - The company operates three launch pads, with two in New Zealand and one in Virginia, and has launched over 1,700 satellites [5] Stock Performance - Rocket Lab's stock surged 360% in 2024 and an additional 174% in 2025, currently trading near all-time highs [3] - The stock's rise is attributed to an $816 million contract with the U.S. Space Development Agency for missile-tracking satellites [3] Launch and Mission Activities - In 2025, Rocket Lab completed 21 launches, serving clients such as the U.S. Space Force and various international companies [5] - The most recent Electron mission, launched on December 21, 2025, for iQPS, was the 79th mission overall for the Electron rocket [6] Future Developments - Rocket Lab is supporting NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, including the Escapade mission to Mars [7] - The company is finalizing its reusable Neutron launch vehicle aimed at deep space missions and human spaceflight, with plans to move it to a launch platform in Q1 of this year [8]