Rocket Lab shares have added more than a quarter in value this week as the aerospace company inked new launch deals in the burgeoning space tech industry.The stock gained more than 5% on Friday, bringing its week-to-date surge to over 25%. Shares were up nearly 50% over the last two weeks and traded near fresh highs on Friday. The stock has nearly tripled since the start of the year.On Friday, the company said it secured two launches with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, scheduled for December and in ...

Core Viewpoint - Firefly Aerospace has announced the acquisition of SciTec, Inc. for approximately $855 million, enhancing its capabilities in defense and space technology [3][4]. Company Overview - Firefly Aerospace is a leading space and defense technology company, known for its responsive launch and mission services [3][10]. - SciTec, Inc. specializes in advanced national security technologies and generated revenues of approximately $164 million for the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2025 [5][6]. Acquisition Details - The acquisition will be financed through $300 million in cash and $555 million in Firefly shares priced at $50 per share [3]. - The deal is expected to close by the end of 2025, pending regulatory approvals [7]. Strategic Benefits - The acquisition will enhance Firefly's ability to support defense missions and provide operational advantages through SciTec's software and big data processing capabilities [4]. - SciTec's core capabilities include missile warning, tracking, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and autonomous command and control, which will complement Firefly's existing services [4][5]. Contractual Highlights - SciTec was awarded a $259 million contract by the U.S. Space Force to enhance the Future Operational Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) framework [5]. - The contract aims to strengthen the Space Force's missile warning and tracking mission [5]. Leadership and Integration - SciTec will operate as a subsidiary of Firefly under its current business model, with Jim Lisowski continuing as CEO [7]. - Both companies share a similar culture focused on innovation and mission-critical solutions [6].