LONG BEACH, Calif., Dec. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced its next Electron launch will deploy the STP-S30 mission for the U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) after accelerating the launch of the mission by several months, demonstrating Rocket Lab’s agility in meeting the Department of War’s (DoW) space access demands. The launch, named ‘Don’t Be Such A S ...

Core Points - Rocket Lab Corporation successfully launched its first dedicated mission for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), marking a significant milestone for the Electron rocket in providing reliable access to space [1][2] - The "RAISE And Shine" mission deployed the RApid Innovative payload demonstration SatellitE-4 (RAISE-4), showcasing eight technologies developed by various Japanese entities [2] - This launch reflects the increasing collaboration between commercial companies and national space programs, with Rocket Lab being a leader in small launch services [3] Company Highlights - Rocket Lab's founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, emphasized the precision and reliability of the mission, supporting the growth of Japan's aerospace economy [4] - The "RAISE And Shine" mission was Rocket Lab's 19th launch of the year, contributing to a new annual launch record established just a month prior [4] - Upcoming launches include a second mission for JAXA scheduled for Q1 2026 and a dedicated launch for the European Space Agency (ESA) [3][4] Industry Context - The successful launch for JAXA illustrates the growing integration of commercial entities into national space initiatives, enhancing the global demand for Rocket Lab's Electron rocket [3] - Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is recognized as the world's most frequently launched orbital small rocket, indicating its strong position in the market [5]

Core Points - Rocket Lab Corporation is expediting a dedicated Electron mission for the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), scheduled to launch on December 11, 2025 [1][2] - The mission, named 'Bridging The Swarm', will deploy the NEONSAT-1A satellite, which is part of a constellation aimed at monitoring natural disasters along the Korean Peninsula [4][5] - Rocket Lab's operational efficiency is highlighted by the rescheduling of this launch, which is part of a growing number of missions, exceeding the company's 2024 target of 16 launches [3][4] Upcoming Launch Details - Mission name: Bridging The Swarm - Launch Window Open: December 11, 2025, at 1:45 PM NZDT (00:45 UTC) - Customer: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) - Launch Site: Launch Complex 1, New Zealand [4] - Mission name: RAISE and Shine - Launch Window Open: no earlier than December 13, 2025, at 4:00 PM NZDT (03:00 UTC) - Customer: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) - Launch Site: Launch Complex 1, New Zealand [4][7] NEONSAT Program Overview - The NEONSAT program involves collaboration among multiple Korean institutions, including SaTReC, Satrec Initiative, and Korea Aerospace Research Institute, with funding from the Korean government's Ministry of Science and ICT [6] - The NEONSAT-1A satellite will validate advanced capabilities and operational utility, contributing to the formation of a satellite constellation [5][6] JAXA Collaboration - The 'RAISE and Shine' mission will deploy JAXA's RAISE-4 spacecraft, demonstrating eight technologies developed by various Japanese entities [7] - This mission marks the first of two dedicated launches for JAXA's Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program, emphasizing Rocket Lab's role in providing reliable access to space for international agencies [7]

LONG BEACH, Calif., Dec. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced the Neutron launch vehicle’s innovative “Hungry Hippo” captive fairing has successfully completed qualification testing and is enroute to Virginia for Neutron’s first launch. Dubbed the Hungry Hippo, Neutron’s fairing halves remain attached to the rocket’s first stage throughout launch and landing back to Earth – a ...

Core Points - Rocket Lab Corporation announced the launch window for the first of two dedicated Electron launches with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) [1][3] - The mission, named "RAISE And Shine," is set to launch on December 5, 2025, from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, deploying the RApid Innovative payload demonstration SatellitE-4 (RAISE-4) spacecraft [2][4] - This mission is part of JAXA's Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program, aimed at showcasing new technologies developed by Japan's space economy [3] - The upcoming launch will mark Rocket Lab's 19th launch in 2025, continuing its record of dedicated launches in a single year [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 Electron rocket is recognized as the world's most frequently launched orbital small rocket, with increasing demand for dedicated launches for small satellites [4][5] - Rocket Lab's capabilities include the HASTE rocket for hypersonic test launches and the Neutron launch vehicle currently in development for medium launch needs [5]

Core Insights - Rocket Lab Corporation is set to launch its next Electron mission named 'Follow My Speed' on November 20, 2025, from New Zealand, just 48 hours after a successful launch from Virginia [1][2] - This upcoming mission will mark Rocket Lab's 18th launch in 2025, surpassing its previous annual record of 16 launches [2] - The rapid launch turnaround showcases Rocket Lab's responsive space capabilities, with this being the third instance of back-to-back launches within 48 hours in the past year [3] 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 Electron rocket is recognized as the world's most frequently launched orbital small rocket, while the HASTE rocket offers hypersonic test launch capabilities [5] - The company has facilitated over 1,700 missions across various sectors, including GPS, constellations, and exploration missions to celestial bodies [5]

Core Insights - Rocket Lab Corporation successfully launched a suborbital mission using its HASTE launch vehicle for the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and Missile Defense Agency (MDA), enhancing national security through advanced missile defense technology testing [1][2][3] Launch Details - The HASTE launch occurred on November 18, 2025, from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 in Virginia at 13:00 UTC, deploying a primary payload from Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and multiple secondary payloads [2][3] - This mission was part of the DIU's Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testing Capabilities (HyCAT) program, showcasing Rocket Lab's ability to deliver missions within 14 months of contract signing, highlighting operational efficiency for government clients [3] Technology and Capabilities - HASTE is a suborbital variant of the Electron rocket, designed for hypersonic technology tests, capable of deploying payloads at speeds exceeding 7.5 km/s [4] - The HASTE and Electron vehicles have collectively deployed over 200 payloads for both government and commercial customers, demonstrating their reliability and versatility in various missions [4] Strategic Importance - The mission underscores the importance of commercial partnerships in accelerating hypersonic technology development, with DIU emphasizing the need for access to commercial ecosystems to enhance mission timelines and affordability [4]

Core Insights - Rocket Lab Corporation successfully launched its Explorer-class spacecraft for NASA and UC Berkeley to study Mars' magnetosphere, marking a significant achievement in commercial interplanetary science [1][4] - The spacecraft, part of the ESCAPADE mission, was launched on November 13, 2025, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station [1] - The mission aims to provide insights into Mars' atmospheric escape history and space weather environment, which will inform future human exploration strategies [7] Company Overview - Rocket Lab is a leading launch and space systems company, known for its vertically integrated supply chain that allows in-house production of critical components [3] - The company has enabled over 1,700 missions across various sectors, including commercial, defense, and national security [8] - Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is recognized as the world's most frequently launched orbital small rocket [8] Mission Details - The ESCAPADE mission transitioned from design to spacecraft completion in just three and a half years, showcasing an aggressive timeline for a Mars mission [3] - The spacecraft will undergo commissioning processes, including orientation stabilization and solar array deployment, before executing trajectory correction maneuvers to reach Mars [2][6] - The spacecraft are scheduled to arrive at Mars in September 2027, with the first science formation expected to begin in 2028 [6] Technical Aspects - The ESCAPADE spacecraft will utilize a "loiter" orbit around Earth's Lagrange point 2 until the next planetary alignment in fall 2026, when it will use an Earth gravity assist to begin its journey to Mars [5] - The mission will involve deep-space maneuvers to boost the spacecraft's energy and navigate to their target orbit insertion corridors [6]

Core Insights - Rocket Lab Corporation reported record revenue of $155 million for the fiscal third quarter ended September 30, 2025, with a GAAP gross margin of 37% [2][3] - The company is on track to achieve a new annual launch record, with a strong backlog of contracts and strategic M&A activities aligned with defense programs [2][7] Financial Performance - Total revenues for Q3 2025 were $155.08 million, compared to $104.81 million in Q3 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of approximately 48% [13] - Gross profit for Q3 2025 was $57.31 million, up from $27.99 million in Q3 2024, indicating a significant improvement in profitability [13] - The net loss for Q3 2025 was $18.26 million, compared to a net loss of $51.94 million in Q3 2024, showing a reduction in losses [13] Operational Highlights - Rocket Lab secured 17 Electron launch contracts in Q3 2025, marking a record-breaking quarter for dedicated launch contracts [7] - The company successfully launched two back-to-back HASTE missions, contributing to advancements in hypersonic technology [7] - The acquisition of Geost for up to $325 million enhances Rocket Lab's capabilities in national security [7] Fourth Quarter Guidance - For Q4 2025, Rocket Lab expects revenue between $170 million and $180 million, with GAAP gross margins projected between 37% and 39% [7] - Non-GAAP gross margins are anticipated to be between 43% and 45% [7] Liquidity and Capital Position - Rocket Lab exited Q3 2025 with over $1 billion in liquidity, bolstered by a recent at-the-market offering program [7] - The company is well-positioned to pursue its robust M&A pipeline [7] Future Developments - The Neutron rocket is scheduled to arrive at Launch Complex 3 in Q1 2026, with the first launch expected thereafter [7] - The company continues to focus on expanding its end-to-end capabilities in the space sector, particularly in defense and national security [2][7]

Core Insights - Rocket Lab Corporation has successfully completed the Systems Integration Review (SIR) for the Photon spacecraft designated for the LOXSAT mission, a collaboration with Eta Space and NASA [1][2] - The LOXSAT mission aims to demonstrate a cryogenic fluid management system that will inform the design of a future cryogenic propellant depot in low Earth orbit, expected to be operational by 2030 [1][4] - The mission is a part of NASA's Tipping Point program, which focuses on advancing technologies for future human space exploration [6] Company Developments - The SIR completion allows Rocket Lab to proceed with payload integration and move into environmental testing ahead of the Electron rocket launch scheduled for early 2026 [2] - Rocket Lab was selected by Eta Space in 2020 to provide both the spacecraft and the Electron launch vehicle for the LOXSAT mission, highlighting the company's end-to-end capabilities in space solutions [3][4] - The Photon spacecraft, which is the basis for LOXSAT, has previously gained flight heritage through NASA's CAPSTONE mission to the Moon [5] Technological Innovations - LOXSAT will test the storage of liquid oxygen (LOX) in a zero-loss configuration, addressing challenges associated with cryogenic propellants that can vaporize at higher temperatures [4] - The successful demonstration of this technology could pave the way for a commercial cryogenic propellant depot in space, enabling spacecraft refueling and reuse [4] Strategic Partnerships - The collaboration with Eta Space emphasizes Rocket Lab's role as a comprehensive space solutions provider, combining spacecraft development and launch services [3][4] - Eta Space, founded by former NASA personnel, focuses on developing advanced cryogenic systems for space exploration and the hydrogen energy economy [9]