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Rocket Lab Press Releases

Rocket Lab's own announcements, alongside outside coverage of the same story.

77 stories91 articles
Rocket Lab · 4 days ago
AI

Rocket Lab Provides Update on Neutron Development and Adjusts Target Launch Timing

Rocket Lab Corporation shared an update on the Neutron launch vehicle development program. The company also adjusted the schedule for Neutron's target launch timing.

The update was provided on Oct. 14, 2026. Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch services and space systems. The company is publicly traded on Nasdaq under the ticker RKLB.

Rocket Lab is based in Long Beach, California. The company described Neutron as a launch vehicle development program. The announcement included an adjusted schedule for the vehicle.

The company stated that the schedule adjustment was for Neutron's target launch timing. No further details on the new launch date were provided in the supplied article.

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Rocket Lab · 3 weeks ago
AI

Rocket Lab Secures Largest-Ever Electron Commercial Deal: 20-Launch Contract for Synspective

Rocket Lab Corporation announced its single largest commercial launch contract for the Electron rocket. The deal is a 20-launch agreement with Synspective. The announcement was made on September 30, 2026, from Long Beach, California.

The contract reinforces Electron's position as the most in-demand rocket for small satellite constellation deployment. Rocket Lab is listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker RKLB. No financial terms of the deal were disclosed in the announcement.

The agreement represents Rocket Lab's largest-ever commercial launch contract for Electron. Synspective is the customer for the multi-launch deal. The contract covers 20 dedicated Electron launches.

No specific launch timeline or mission names were provided in the announcement. The deal builds on Rocket Lab's existing relationship with Synspective.

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Rocket Lab · 3 weeks ago
AI

MISSION SUCCESS: Rocket Lab Launches 97th Electron Mission

Rocket Lab launched its 97th Electron mission on September 26, 2026. The mission, named "Owlright Owlright Owlright," lifted off from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 12:39 p.m. NZST. It delivered the 13th StriX satellite for Earth-monitoring constellation operator Synspective.

The StriX satellite was deployed directly into a 559-kilometer low Earth orbit. This launch was Rocket Lab's 18th of the year. The mission expands Synspective's synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging constellation, which provides high-resolution, all-weather, day-and-night Earth imaging.

Across a multi-year partnership, Electron has deployed all 13 StriX satellites with 100% mission success. Rocket Lab states Electron is the world's most frequently-launched small-lift orbital rocket. The company continues to demonstrate the reliability and repeatability required for small satellite constellation builds.

Following this mission, another 14 launches remain on schedule to deliver the rest of Synspective's constellation to space by the end of the decade. Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering rockets, satellites, and spacecraft components for commercial, government, and defense missions.

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Covered by 2 outlets · 3 weeks ago
AI

Iridium Stockholders Approve Acquisition by Rocket Lab

Iridium Communications stockholders voted to approve the company's acquisition by Rocket Lab Corporation. The vote took place at a special meeting of Iridium stockholders held on September 24, 2026. The approval marks a key milestone toward completing the transaction.

Approximately 99.6% of votes cast were in favor of the deal, representing about 81.0% of Iridium's outstanding shares entitled to vote. Under the terms, Iridium stockholders will receive $27.00 in cash and a number of Rocket Lab common shares calculated under an exchange ratio with a collar. The transaction has a notional value of $54.00 per Iridium share.

Iridium CEO Matt Desch thanked stockholders for their strong support and highlighted the complementary capabilities of the two companies. Rocket Lab Founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck said the combination would create a next generation space powerhouse. He cited Iridium's global network, spectrum, and operating experience alongside Rocket Lab's launch and space systems capabilities.

The transaction is expected to close by mid-2027. Closing remains subject to remaining regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. Iridium will file complete voting results in a Current Report on Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Rocket Lab · 4 weeks ago
AI

MISSION SUCCESS: Rocket Lab Launches 96th Electron Mission

Rocket Lab successfully launched its 96th Electron mission on September 19, 2026. The mission, named "Owl By The Dozen," lifted off from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand at 3:22pm NZST. It delivered a synthetic aperture radar satellite for the Japanese company Synspective.

The mission placed the 12th StriX satellite into a precise 572km low Earth orbit. This launch was Rocket Lab's 17th of 2026. The company maintains a 100% mission success record across its multi-year partnership with Synspective.

Electron continues to lead the global commercial small-lift launch sector in frequency and reliability. The Kick Stage placed the StriX satellite with pinpoint accuracy to maximize its on-orbit lifetime. This allowed for immediate integration of the satellite into Synspective's constellation.

Rocket Lab has 15 additional dedicated Electron missions manifested through the end of the decade. These missions will complete Synspective's commercial SAR constellation. Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering rockets, satellites, and spacecraft components.

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Covered by 2 outlets · last month
AI

Rocket Lab Fully Funds Iridium Acquisition, Including Completion of $1.94 Billion ATM

Rocket Lab announced it has fully financed its pending acquisition of Iridium Communications. The company completed a $1.944 billion At-The-Market equity offering, securing the cash needed alongside available liquidity. The acquisition is expected to close in mid-2027, pending regulatory approvals.

Rocket Lab raised approximately $1.944 billion in gross proceeds through the issuance of 29.3 million shares. The net proceeds will fund cash payments for the Iridium Acquisition. Any excess proceeds will go toward future growth, potential acquisitions, or general corporate purposes.

Iridium amended its existing $1.775 billion credit facility to permit the change of control. The amendment establishes long-term, cost-effective permanent financing backed by Iridium's free cash flow and a parent guarantee from Rocket Lab USA. Rocket Lab also terminated the initial $3.6 billion senior secured bridge facility, de-risking the capital structure.

The change of control amendment was entered into on September 15, 2026. Rocket Lab's primary operating subsidiary will provide an unsecured guarantee of the Iridium Term Loan upon closing. The termination of the debt commitment letter further de-risks the transaction ahead of the targeted mid-2027 close.

Rocket Lab · last month
AI

Rocket Lab Successfully Launches 16th Electron Mission Of The Year, Solidifies Status as World's Leading Small Launch Provider

Rocket Lab launched its 16th Electron rocket of the year on September 11, 2026. The mission was a dedicated flight for a confidential customer. The launch took place from the company's facility in New Zealand.

The company announced the successful launch from Auckland, New Zealand. This mission marks the 16th Electron flight in 2026. Rocket Lab Corporation is a global provider of launch services and space systems.

The article states the launch solidifies Rocket Lab's status as the world's leading small launch provider. This claim is attributed directly to the company's announcement. No further operational context or significance was provided in the supplied text.

The article did not state any specific next steps or future missions. No additional details about the confidential customer or the payload were disclosed. The supplied content contained only the launch announcement.

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Rocket Lab · last month
AI

Rocket Lab Introduces High-Efficiency Solar Cell to Reduce Reliance on Supply-Constrained Critical Minerals

Rocket Lab Corporation announced the production release of its Inverted Metamorphic (IMM) Apex solar cell. The company described the cell as the latest iteration of its next-generation solar technology. The announcement was made on September 8, 2026, from Long Beach, California.

The IMM Apex solar cell is designed to deliver high efficiency. Rocket Lab stated the cell aims to reduce reliance on supply-constrained critical minerals. The company is a global leader in launch services and space systems.

Rocket Lab trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker RKLB. The production release marks a new phase for the company's solar cell technology. No specific efficiency figures or customer contracts were disclosed in the announcement.

The company did not provide a timeline for first deliveries or specific mission applications. No further details on the cell's manufacturing process were included in the release.

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Rocket Lab · 2 months ago
AI

MISSION SUCCESS: Rocket Lab Launches 94th Electron Mission

Rocket Lab successfully launched its 94th Electron rocket mission. The launch took place from the company's facility in Mahia, New Zealand. The mission deployed a satellite for Synspective.

The launch occurred on September 2, 2026. The payload was an Earth-imaging satellite for Synspective. This was the 94th flight of the Electron rocket.

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch services and space systems. The company is publicly traded on the Nasdaq under the ticker RKLB. The mission was announced as a success.

The article did not provide additional details about the satellite or future launch plans. No further information about the mission timeline was included. The report focused solely on the launch event.

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Rocket Lab · 2 months ago
AI

MISSION SUCCESS: Rocket Lab Launches 93rd Electron Mission

Rocket Lab successfully launched its 93rd Electron mission on August 20, 2026. The launch took place from Rocket Lab’s facility in Mahia, New Zealand.

The mission deployed an Earth-imaging satellite for the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space. The customer is based in Japan. The launch was announced via a press release from Rocket Lab.

The company operates the Electron rocket as a dedicated small satellite launch vehicle. This mission adds to Rocket Lab’s growing launch manifest. The specific satellite name was not provided in the announcement.

No further mission details or next steps were included in the supplied article. The announcement confirmed only the successful deployment of the payload.

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Rocket Lab · 2 months ago
AI

Space Force Selects Rocket Lab For Space Data Network Consortium, Awarded $12M in Contracts to Support Global Military Communications Network

Rocket Lab Corporation announced its onboarding into the U.S. Space Force's Space Data Network (SDN) Consortium. The company was awarded $12 million in contracts to support the global military communications network.

The announcement was made on August 18, 2026, from Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, California. Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch services and space systems.

The company’s inclusion in the consortium expands vendor diversity for the Space Data Network. This is the only operational context provided in the source article.

No further details about the specific work, timeline, or mission parameters were supplied in the announcement. The source article contains no stated next steps or additional concrete facts beyond the onboarding and contract award.

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Rocket Lab · 2 months ago
AI

Rocket Lab Onboarded to U.S. Space Force's $981M NITE-STAR Program to Advance Space Test and Training Infrastructure

Rocket Lab Corporation announced it has been onboarded to the United States Space Force's NITE-STAR program. NITE-STAR stands for NSTTC Innovative Technology & Engineering - Space Test and Range. The announcement was made on August 17, 2026, from the company's headquarters in Long Beach, California.

The NITE-STAR program is valued at $981 million. It is designed to advance space test and training infrastructure. Rocket Lab is a provider of launch services and space systems. The company is publicly traded on the Nasdaq under the ticker RKLB.

The program falls under the U.S. Space Force's purview. Rocket Lab's role involves contributing to the development of space test and range capabilities. The company described itself as a global leader in its field in the announcement.

No further details about Rocket Lab's specific responsibilities or contract value were provided in the announcement. The onboarding marks the company's entry into this specific Space Force initiative.

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Rocket Lab · 2 months ago
AI

Viasat Selects Rocket Lab to Build GEO Satellite for U.S. Space Force's Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global Program

Viasat announced it selected Rocket Lab to build a satellite bus for the U.S. Space Force’s Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global (PTS-G) program. The announcement was made on August 17, 2026. Viasat was awarded the prime contract for the program on May 22, 2026.

The initial production award, called Swarm 1, includes manufacturing, integration, test, launch, and on-orbit checkout of a mini-GEO satellite. Rocket Lab will deliver a GEO configuration of its Lightning spacecraft platform. The platform will host Viasat's dual-band X/Ka-band payload.

PTS-G is part of the Space Force’s strategy to deliver global, resilient, and scalable satellite communications to warfighters. The program leverages commercial designs to support smaller, faster-to-produce satellites with enhanced anti-jam capabilities. Rocket Lab's Lightning-GEO features a high-power architecture built with vertically integrated components.

Viasat will lead the work to advance the PTS-G initial operating capability. The mini-GEO satellite will provide secure connectivity for U.S. and allied forces operating in contested environments.

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Rocket Lab · 2 months ago
AI

Rocket Lab Satellite Platforms Built for MDA Space Successfully Reach Orbit, Supporting Globalstar Direct-to-Device Communications Services

Rocket Lab announced the successful launch of eight advanced satellite platforms it built for MDA Space. The platforms are the first batch in a 17-satellite constellation under a $143 million deal with MDA Space. Rocket Lab confirmed contact with all eight satellites and said they are performing nominally and generating power on orbit.

The satellites launched on August 15 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 9:12 p.m. ET. They support Globalstar’s direct-to-device communications services and IoT applications. Each 500-kilogram platform is a tailored version of Rocket Lab’s standard Lightning platform. Rocket Lab built and tested the platforms at its headquarters in Long Beach, California.

The platforms feature Rocket Lab’s in-house components, including solar arrays, reaction wheels, flight and ground software, avionics, and TT&C radios. Rocket Lab CEO Sir Peter Beck said the company is executing across the entire mission lifecycle, from design and build to on-orbit operations. He stated the company’s approach delivers speed, reliability, and agility for competitive direct-to-device constellations.

Spacecraft commissioning has begun to prepare the satellites to extend mobile satellite services as part of Globalstar’s existing network. The Lightning platform is also in production for other missions, including a U.S. Space Force space domain awareness program and Space Development Agency Tranche 2 and Tranche 3 constellations.

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Rocket Lab · 2 months ago
AI

Rocket Lab Corporation Announces Dollar-for-Dollar Replacement At-The-Market Equity Program

Rocket Lab Corporation announced a new equity distribution agreement on August 13, 2026. The agreement replaces the company's prior sales agreement from May 20, 2026. It establishes an at-the-market program for selling shares of common stock.

The aggregate offering price under the new program is up to $1,944,369,826. This amount carries forward the unsold portion from the prior agreement, with no increase in the total offered. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC will act as sales agents.

Rocket Lab intends to use net proceeds from share sales to fund cash payments for its proposed acquisition of Iridium Communications Inc. The company also plans to reduce commitments under its senior secured debt bridge facility. The offering is not conditioned on completing the Iridium acquisition.

Rocket Lab separately announced updates on the Iridium acquisition, including the expiration of the HSR waiting period and the initial filing of its Form S-4 registration statement. If the acquisition is not completed, the company will use proceeds for future growth, potential acquisitions, and general corporate purposes.

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Rocket Lab · 2 months ago
AI

Rocket Lab Corporation Announces Progress on Iridium Acquisition: HSR Period Lapses; Form S-4 Filed; FCC Applications Filed; Capital Strategy Underway

Rocket Lab Corporation announced substantial milestones for its proposed acquisition of Iridium. The company reported that the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period has lapsed. It also filed a Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The company filed applications with the Federal Communications Commission related to the transaction. Rocket Lab stated that its capital strategy for the acquisition is underway. These steps represent progress in the regulatory and financial processes.

The announcement was made on August 13, 2026, from the company's headquarters in Long Beach, California. Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch services and space systems. The acquisition of Iridium was previously announced by the company.

No further details about the acquisition timeline or terms were provided in the announcement. The company did not specify when the transaction is expected to close. Rocket Lab stated only that these milestones have been achieved.

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Rocket Lab · 2 months ago
AI

Rocket Lab Establishes Rocket Lab Germany to Deliver Sovereign Space Capabilities to Europe

Rocket Lab Corporation announced the establishment of Rocket Lab Germany GmbH on August 10, 2026. The expansion supports potential future scaling of satellite and component manufacturing in Germany.

The company already has a European foothold through its acquisition of Mynaric AG, a Munich-based provider of laser optical communications terminals. Rocket Lab will apply its manufacturing and supply chain expertise to increase Mynaric’s scale and efficiency.

Rocket Lab Germany is pursuing opportunities that could lead to satellite, payload, and components manufacturing in Germany. The company intends to create a regional hub for constellation-class manufacturing to serve European customers.

Rocket Lab Germany aims to enable scaled domestic production of satellites and critical components. It will also deliver launch services on Electron and Neutron to ensure European programs have assured access to space.

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Rocket Lab · 2 months ago
AI

Rocket Lab Unveils GHOST Deployable Launch System to Enable Responsive Space Missions Worldwide

Rocket Lab Corporation unveiled GHOST, a new globally-deployable containerized launch system. The system enables suborbital and orbital launches from anywhere in the world. GHOST stands for Global Hypersonic & Orbital Spaceport Technology.

The system packages Rocket Lab’s Electron and HASTE rockets, launch infrastructure, ground support, and range control systems entirely within standard shipping containers. GHOST’s first location, named Rocket Lab Launch Complex 4, will be at the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Kodiak, Alaska. Two pads will be established there for high-frequency launch campaigns.

These two pads will complement Rocket Lab’s existing sites at Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand and Launch Complex 2 and 3 in Virginia. The addition brings the total number of pads operated by Rocket Lab to six across two hemispheres. Because Electron and HASTE use the same ground infrastructure, GHOST delivers a dual-launch capability across new locations.

The system is set to make its operational debut with a suborbital launch from Alaska in 2027. Rocket Lab CEO Sir Peter Beck stated that GHOST packages the company’s reliability, repeatability, and affordability into a deployable system for national security missions. The system is purpose-built to support responsive launch needs and time-critical missions.

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Rocket Lab · 2 months ago
AI

Rocket Lab Inks Neutron Launch Deal with Kepler Communications

Rocket Lab Corporation announced it has been selected to launch a dedicated Neutron mission for Kepler Communications Inc. The announcement was made on August 10, 2026, from Long Beach, California.

Kepler Communications is a space infrastructure company. The mission will use Rocket Lab's Neutron launch vehicle. The contract is for a dedicated launch, meaning the entire payload capacity is reserved for Kepler.

Rocket Lab describes itself as a global leader in launch services and space systems. The company is publicly traded on the Nasdaq under the ticker RKLB. This mission represents a new customer for the Neutron rocket.

No launch date or financial terms for the contract were disclosed in the announcement. Further details about the payload or mission objectives were not provided.

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Rocket Lab · 2 months ago
AI

Rocket Lab Announces Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results: Posts Record Revenue and Record Backlog, Guides To Another Record Revenue Quarter in Q3 2026

Rocket Lab Corporation announced its financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended June 30, 2026. The company posted record revenue and a record backlog for the period.

The results were shared on August 10, 2026, via a press release from Long Beach, California. Rocket Lab guided to another record revenue quarter in the third quarter of 2026.

Founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck stated that Q2 was another strong quarter for the company. The press release did not provide specific revenue figures or backlog dollar amounts.

No further details on operational milestones or specific mission counts were included in the supplied article excerpt. The company trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker RKLB.

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Rocket Lab · 2 months ago
AI

Rocket Lab Successfully Completes 92nd Electron Mission, 8th Launch for iQPS Earth-Imaging Constellation

Rocket Lab successfully completed its 92nd Electron mission on August 6, 2026. The company launched the 13th Electron rocket of the year from its site in Mahia, New Zealand. This flight deployed the latest satellite for the iQPS Earth-Imaging Constellation as the eighth mission supporting that program.

The Institute for Q-shu serves as the multi-launch customer for these satellites. Rocket Lab Corporation, which trades as RKLB on Nasdaq, issued the launch announcement via GlobeNewswire from the launch location. Details confirm the payload reached orbit successfully during this dedicated small satellite mission.

This ongoing series of launches for iQPS shows how dedicated small launch vehicles deliver consistent results for constellation operators. Earth-imaging systems need regular additions to maintain coverage and performance over time. Rocket Lab provides that service through its Electron vehicle and established launch processes.

Rocket Lab plans further Electron missions to deploy more satellites for the iQPS constellation over the next year. The launch cadence of 13 flights so far this year indicates capacity for additional activity beyond the current schedule. Such performance could lead to expanded contracts with the Institute for Q-shu for future imaging satellites.

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Rocket Lab · 3 months ago
AI

Rocket Lab Secures Multi-Launch Deal with iQPS for Three Dedicated Missions

Rocket Lab Corporation secured a multi-launch deal with iQPS for three dedicated missions. The announcement took place on July 30, 2026, and originated from Long Beach, California. This agreement represents a new contract for dedicated launches using the Electron vehicle to support constellation deployment.

It is the third multi-launch booking on Electron by iQPS announced in less than a year. Rocket Lab Corporation issued the information via a Globe Newswire release on that date. The company focuses on launch services and space systems as part of its core operations under the Nasdaq RKLB listing.

The contract enables iQPS to advance its constellation through repeated use of dedicated Electron missions. Multiple bookings in a short period point to reliable performance and scheduling by the launch provider. This setup allows the customer to plan payload deployments with greater certainty over time.

Rocket Lab will proceed with preparations for the three missions outlined in the deal. The pattern of bookings suggests ongoing demand from iQPS for additional launches in the future. Execution of these missions will contribute to the overall growth in the company's launch manifest.

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Covered by 2 outlets · 3 months ago
AI

Rocket Lab Awarded Record $266M Missile Defense Contract with U.S. Space Force for Suborbital Launches

Rocket Lab Corporation announced the award of a significant contract from the U.S. Space Force on July 27, 2026. The company made the announcement from its location in Long Beach, California through a Globe Newswire release. This agreement involves multiple suborbital launches tied to missile defense requirements.

The contract is valued at $266 million and stands as the largest launch contract to date for the company. It is structured as a multi-launch agreement specifically with the U.S. Space Force. Rocket Lab Corporation operates under the Nasdaq ticker RKLB and provides launch services along with space systems.

The contract award highlights the operational role Rocket Lab plays in supporting defense missions through its launch capabilities. Suborbital launches enable testing and deployment scenarios critical for missile defense systems. Securing such a large agreement from the U.S. Space Force shows the market demand for reliable launch providers in national security applications.

Execution of the launches under the new contract will provide data on performance and reliability for future missions. The U.S. Space Force could pursue additional contracts based on successful outcomes from this initial multi-launch deal. Rocket Lab will continue its focus on expanding launch services following this record award.

Rocket Lab · 3 months ago
AI

Rocket Lab Announces Date of Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results

Rocket Lab Corporation announced it will release its financial results for the second quarter of 2026 after U.S. markets close on Monday, August 10, 2026. The company will host a conference call at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time, or 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on the same day.

A live webcast and replay of the call will be available on Rocket Lab’s Investor Relations website. Patrick Vorenkamp serves as the investor relations contact, and Murielle Baker is the media contact.

Rocket Lab provides launch services, spacecraft, payloads, and satellite components for commercial, government, and national security markets. Its Electron rocket is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket. The HASTE rocket provides hypersonic test launch capability for the U.S. government and allied nations. The Neutron launch vehicle, currently in development, is designed for medium launch supporting constellation deployment, national security, and exploration missions.

Rocket Lab’s spacecraft and satellite components have enabled more than 1,700 missions spanning commercial, defense, and national security efforts, including GPS, constellations, and exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, and Venus. The company is publicly listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker RKLB.

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