Core Viewpoint - Rocket Lab Corporation successfully launched its latest hypersonic test mission for the Department of War's Defense Innovation Unit, marking a significant advancement in hypersonic technology for the U.S. and its allies [1][2]. Group 1: Launch Details - The mission "That's Not A Knife" took off on February 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 in Virginia, representing the second successful hypersonic test mission for the DIU in three months and the seventh overall HASTE launch [2]. - The mission deployed DART AE, a scramjet-powered aircraft developed by Hypersonix, into a suborbital hypersonic flight environment at several times the speed of sound [2]. Group 2: Mission Success and Impact - Rocket Lab has achieved 100% mission success across all HASTE launches, establishing itself as a premier commercial test platform for hypersonic systems within a short span of under two years since its inaugural launch [3]. - The HASTE platform is noted for its operational speed, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, significantly advancing hypersonic innovation and technology readiness for national defense [3]. Group 3: Industry Statements - Brian Rogers, Vice President of Global Launch Services at Rocket Lab, emphasized the importance of regular HASTE launches in accelerating hypersonic readiness for the nation [4]. - Matt Hill, CEO of Hypersonix, highlighted that the successful flight of DART AE validates years of engineering and preparation, moving towards operationally relevant reusable hypersonic capabilities [4]. Group 4: Company Overview - Rocket Lab is a leading space company providing launch services, spacecraft, payloads, and satellite components for commercial, government, and national security markets [5]. - The company’s Electron rocket is recognized as the world's most frequently launched orbital small rocket, while the HASTE rocket offers hypersonic test launch capabilities for the U.S. government and allies [5].

Rocket Lab (NasdaqCM:RKLB) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 26, 2026 05:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsAdam Spice - CFOAlex Preston - Equity Research AssociateJan-Frans Engelbrecht - Vice President and Senior Research AssociateJustin Lang - VP of Aerospace and Defense Equity ResearchMichael Leshock - VPMorgan Connaughton - VP of Marketing and CommunicationsPeter Beck - Founder, President, and CEOConference Call ParticipantsAndres Sheppard - Senior Equity AnalystDaniel Hibshman - Research AnalystEdison Yu - Dire ...

LONG BEACH, Calif., Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has signed another multi-launch deal with real-time space-based intelligence company BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) – further expanding Rocket Lab’s service as the primary launch provider deploying BlackSky’s advanced, AI-enabled Gen-3 Earth observation constellation. The multi-launch deal secures four new d ...

Rocket Lab shares are under pressure. Why is RKLB stock retreating?SpaceX IPO Weighs On Rocket LabRocket Lab has been under pressure, down 13% over the past month, as investors shift money away from smaller launch providers amid speculation that SpaceX could pursue a $1.5 trillion IPO.Additionally, Congress’s recent decision to withhold funding for NASA’s planned 2031 Mars sample-return mission has led to a reassessment of Rocket Lab’s long-term opportunities in deep space.Earnings Loom With Bullish Targets ...

Core Insights - Rocket Lab (RKLB) has demonstrated significant revenue growth despite operational delays, while AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) has disappointed investors with poor performance and high valuation metrics [1] Group 1: Rocket Lab Performance - Rocket Lab reported an annual revenue of $554 million and secured an $816 million defense contract, expected to generate an additional $200 million in revenue over four years [1] - The company launched its 80th and 81st Electron missions in January, maintaining a strong operational track record [1] - Q3 2025 revenue reached $155 million, reflecting a 48% year-over-year increase, with gross margins of 37% [1] - The company has a backlog of $1 billion, which grew 56% year-over-year in launch services alone [1] Group 2: Challenges Faced by Rocket Lab - A rupture in the Stage 1 tank of the Neutron rocket during testing has delayed its debut to the first half of 2026, impacting investor sentiment [1] - Despite the Neutron setback, Rocket Lab's core business remains strong, with CEO Peter Beck indicating robust momentum [1] Group 3: Comparison with AST SpaceMobile - AST SpaceMobile reported only $18.5 million in revenue and trades at a price-to-sales ratio of 1,655x, indicating a lack of operational maturity compared to Rocket Lab [1] - AST SpaceMobile missed Q3 targets and raised $1 billion through convertible notes, highlighting its financial struggles [1] - Rocket Lab's proven revenue generation and operational execution contrast sharply with AST SpaceMobile's ongoing cash burn and execution risks [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) remains committed to its launch plans for 2026, despite a recent mission failure, and will proceed with all 18 planned launches for this year [1][3]. Group 1: Launch Plans and Commitments - ISRO has 18 launches planned for this year, including six involving private parties, with no cancellations or withdrawals reported [3]. - The next PSLV launch is anticipated by June or July [1]. - The launch of Vyommitra, a female robot astronaut, is scheduled for the end of this year, and the Gaganyaan Mission is on track for next year [3]. Group 2: RISE Conclave and Collaboration - The RISE Conclave aims to enhance the startup ecosystem in India, focusing on various sectors beyond AI and IT, such as leather and agriculture [4]. - Multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between CSIR and academic institutions to strengthen collaboration, including partnerships with Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA), PSG College of Technology, and B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology [5]. - The event also featured the inauguration of a new R&D facility by Larsen & Toubro Limited in Chennai [5]. Group 3: Research and Development Focus - N Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, highlighted the importance of increased collaboration and synergy among governmental divisions, academia, and industry within national research labs [7].

Core Insights - Rocket Lab is expanding its military hypersonic testing capabilities, launching its fourth military hypersonic test mission in under six months, which could enhance its stock performance [1] - The company is focusing on defense contracts as a new revenue stream, aiming for financial stability amid challenges in commercial profitability [1] - Rocket Lab's stock has more than doubled in the past year but has seen a 3% decline year-to-date [1] Company Developments - The upcoming Cassowary Vex mission, set to launch from Wallops Island, Virginia, will deploy the DART AE hypersonic demonstrator drone [1] - Rocket Lab's specialized HASTE rocket is designed for hypersonic speeds of up to Mach 20, capable of carrying heavier payloads for military testing [1] - The DART AE drone, built by Hypersonix, is designed to fly at Mach 7 and features a scramjet engine that operates efficiently at high speeds [1] Industry Context - The U.S. military is prioritizing hypersonic technology, creating a favorable environment for companies like Rocket Lab to secure government contracts [1] - The shift towards military applications is seen as a strategic move for Rocket Lab to ensure steady revenue and support ongoing innovation [1] - As hypersonic technology becomes a national security priority, Rocket Lab's established capabilities position it well for long-term government partnerships [1]

Group 1: SpaceX IPO and Competitive Landscape - Elon Musk plans to hold an initial public offering (IPO) for SpaceX in 2026, which is expected to significantly impact competitors in the space launch industry [1] - SpaceX's IPO valuation is projected to be around $1.5 trillion, which would provide substantial financial resources compared to competitors like Rocket Lab and United Launch Alliance (ULA) [1] - The anticipated $50 billion in new cash from the IPO would exceed Rocket Lab's entire market capitalization and be four times the annual revenue generated by ULA co-owner Lockheed Martin from its space business [1] Group 2: Threat to Telecom Industry - SpaceX's potential impact extends beyond the space industry, posing a threat to telecom companies such as AST SpaceMobile, AT&T, and Verizon Communications [2] Group 3: Starlink Business Growth - SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service has over 9,000 satellites in orbit and 9.2 million paying customers, generating more than $10 billion in annual revenue [4] - The Starlink direct-to-cell (DTC) service has launched 650 satellites, covering 22 countries and connecting over 12 million users, making it the largest 4G coverage provider globally [5] - The total addressable market for Starlink DTC is estimated at 400 million users, indicating significant growth potential [6]

Core Insights - The European launcher Ariane 6 successfully completed its flight from French Guiana, marking a significant achievement for the European space program [1] - The rocket placed 32 satellites into orbit, demonstrating its capability and reliability [1] - For the first time, Ariane 6 utilized four P120C solid-propellant boosters, which were developed by Europropulsion, a joint venture between Avio and ArianeGroup [1] - The four-booster configuration allows Ariane 6 to double its performance compared to the previous two-booster version, indicating a major advancement in launch capabilities [1] Industry Impact - The successful launch enhances the competitiveness of the European space industry in the global market [1] - The use of advanced solid-propellant boosters signifies technological progress and innovation within the sector [1] - This achievement may lead to increased demand for satellite launches, benefiting companies involved in satellite manufacturing and deployment [1]

5 4 3 we have ignition 2 one and liftoff of United Launch Alliance SF87 for the United States Space Force continuing ULA's legacy in national security space launch. Engine parameters look good. Body rate looking healthy. ...