Key Points Rocket Lab provides rockets, satellites, and launch services. The company is playing a key role in a current expedition to Mars. However, the aerospace upstart has yet to reach profitability. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires › Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) stock continues to soar to new heights. The company, which serves as an end-to-end space company by providing launch services, is seeking to fill an important void, as the U.S. space program and other governments c ...

Core Points - Rocket Lab Corporation successfully launched its 21st Electron rocket of the year, setting a new annual launch record with 100% mission success [3][4] - The mission, named 'The Wisdom God Guides', deployed the QPS-SAR-15 satellite for the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS), enhancing their Earth imaging capabilities [2][4] - Rocket Lab plans to expand its Electron launch services in 2026, targeting more multi-launch constellation deployments and missions for domestic and international space agencies [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 small-lift orbital rocket, with a total of 79 missions completed [4][5] - The company is also developing the Neutron launch vehicle to support medium launch capabilities for various missions [5]

Rocket Lab’s largest contract to date solidifies its position as a disruptive force in national security space, redefining the speed and efficiency of satellite production and challenging legacy aerospace primes Rocket Lab Lightning Spacecraft Rocket Lab Lightning Spacecraft LONG BEACH, Calif., Dec. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab USA, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a leading launch and space systems company, today announc ...

Core Insights - Rocket Lab successfully launched the STP-S30 mission for the U.S. Space Force five months ahead of schedule, enhancing U.S. space superiority technologies [1][3][4] Launch Details - The launch, named 'Don't Be Such A Square', took place on December 18, 2025, deploying four DiskSat spacecraft to a 550km low Earth orbit for the Department of War's Space Test Program [2][4] - The mission was managed by the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command and funded by NASA's Small Spacecraft & Distributed Systems program [2][4] Company Performance - This launch marked Rocket Lab's 20th Electron launch of the year and 78th overall, setting a new annual launch record for the company [5] - Rocket Lab has conducted four launches in the past three months, all serving national security and defense technology advancement objectives [4][5] Strategic Importance - The collaboration between Rocket Lab, NASA, and other partners is crucial for proving advanced technologies in space, which will be integrated into future operational Space Force systems [5] - The launch underscores Rocket Lab's commitment to providing affordable and reliable launch solutions to the U.S. Space Force and its partners [4][5]

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 Insights - Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) is recognized as one of the best aerospace stocks to buy according to analysts [1] - The Neutron launch vehicle's "Hungry Hippo" captive fairing has successfully passed qualification testing, marking a significant milestone for the company [1][2] Company Developments - Neutron is Rocket Lab's largest carbon composite rocket, capable of lifting up to 13,000 kg, with its first flight planned for 2026 [2] - The "Hungry Hippo" fairing design allows for reusability as it remains attached to the rocket's first stage during launch and landing [2] - Qualification testing for the fairing included withstanding 275,000 pounds of force and rapid opening and closing of fairing halves within 1.5 seconds [3] Market Sentiment - Analysts maintain a bullish outlook on Rocket Lab, with a 12-month average price target of $65, indicating a 26% upside from current levels [4] - Recent ratings include a Buy from Ryan Koontz of Needham with a price target of $63 and an upgraded target from $50 to $60 by Ronald Epstein from Bank of America Securities [4]

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]

Core Insights - Rocket Lab Corporation has successfully completed qualification testing for its Neutron launch vehicle's innovative "Hungry Hippo" captive fairing, which is now en route to Virginia for the vehicle's first launch [1][3] - The Hungry Hippo fairing design allows the fairing halves to remain attached during launch and landing, marking a world-first for reusable commercial rockets, enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness [2][4] - Neutron is positioned to be the world's largest carbon composite launch vehicle, with a lift capacity of up to 13,000 kg (33,000 pounds), and is on track for its first launch in 2026 [3][7] Company Overview - Rocket Lab is a leading space company providing launch services, spacecraft, payloads, and satellite components for commercial, government, and national security markets [6] - The company’s Electron rocket is the most frequently launched orbital small rocket, while the Neutron vehicle aims to address bottlenecks in the global space industry by offering reliable and responsive launch services [6][7] Neutron Launch Vehicle Details - Neutron's design incorporates a reusable structure that maximizes launch cadence and payload capacity, utilizing carbon composite materials for major structures [7] - The vehicle is powered by nine Archimedes engines on Stage 1 and one vacuum-optimized Archimedes engine on Stage 2, designed for complex satellite deployments [7] - The qualification program for the Hungry Hippo fairing included extensive testing to validate performance under aerodynamic pressures experienced during launch and re-entry [4][5]

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]