Rocket Lab Usa Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Rocket Lab (RKLB) successfully completed its 65th Electron mission, launching BlackSky's Gen-3 Earth-imaging satellite into a 470 km circular orbit from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. This marks Electron's seventh successful launch in 2025 and the tenth overall mission for BlackSky since 2019. The 'Full Stream Ahead' mission, launched just 16 days after their previous mission, is the second of four planned launches for BlackSky this year. The mission utilized Rocket Lab's Motorized Lightband separation system and brings the total number of satellites deployed by Electron to 226. This quick succession of launches with 100% mission success reinforces Electron's position as one of the world's most reliable orbital launch vehicles.

ATL Partners has announced the sale of Geost to Rocket Lab USA (RKLB), marking a successful exit from their 2021 acquisition. Geost specializes in electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensing technologies for national security space missions, with over 20 years of flight heritage. Under ATL's ownership, Geost expanded into new mission areas and enhanced its production capabilities. The acquisition strengthens Rocket Lab's integrated solutions for defense and intelligence customers. Additionally, ATL is launching Trident Solutions, a new defense electronics platform combining the remaining LightRidge divisions (Trident Systems and Ophir Corporation). The transaction, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in H2 2025.

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) has announced a strategic acquisition of Geost, an electro-optical and infrared payload manufacturer, for $275 million plus potential earnouts of up to $50 million. The deal structure includes $125 million in cash and $150 million in privately placed RKLB shares. Geost, with over 20 years of flight heritage, specializes in advanced EO/IR sensor systems for missile warning, surveillance, and space domain awareness.

This acquisition marks Rocket Lab's entry into the satellite payload segment, adding optical systems capabilities to its portfolio. The deal includes Geost's facilities in Tucson and Virginia, intellectual property, and brings 115 employees to Rocket Lab's workforce. The transaction is expected to close in H2 2025, positioning Rocket Lab as a comprehensive provider of end-to-end national security space solutions.

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) has announced its upcoming mission "Full Stream Ahead" to launch a BlackSky (NYSE: BSKY) Gen-3 satellite, scheduled for May 28th, 2025 UTC. The launch will take place from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, targeting a mid-inclination circular 470km orbit. This marks Rocket Lab's tenth launch for BlackSky, making Electron the most frequent launcher for BlackSky's constellation.

The mission represents the second of four planned Electron launches for BlackSky's Gen-3 satellites in 2025. It will be Rocket Lab's seventh mission of 2025 and its 65th launch overall. Upon completion, the total number of satellites delivered to space by Rocket Lab will reach 226.

BlackSky Technology Inc. (BKSY) and Rocket Lab USA have set a launch window opening May 27 for BlackSky's second Gen-3 satellite. The "Full Stream Ahead" mission will enhance BlackSky's capabilities with 35-centimeter very high-resolution imaging. The company has secured multiple early access contracts for Gen-3 services, with commercial availability expected in Q4.

BlackSky plans to deploy eight Gen-3 satellites by early 2026, focusing on advanced AI-enabled automation and space-based intelligence. The new satellites will enable automated detection and classification of vehicles, aircraft, vessels, and other tactical objects, strengthening BlackSky's capabilities in tactical ISR missions and strategic intelligence operations.

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) has successfully completed its third mission for Japanese customer iQPS, launching the QPS-SAR-10 Earth-imaging satellite into a 575km low Earth orbit. The mission, named 'The Sea God Sees,' launched from Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand on May 17th, 2025. This launch follows just weeks after their previous iQPS mission on March 15, 2025, demonstrating Rocket Lab's capability for frequent and reliable orbital launches.

The launch is part of a multi-launch contract to deploy eight missions for iQPS across 2025 and 2026, with four more launches scheduled for 2025 and two for 2026. The next iQPS mission is scheduled for June 2025. The successful deployment of QPS-SAR-10 (WADATSUMI-I) marks iQPS's 10th satellite, contributing to their growing constellation of synthetic aperture radar Earth-imaging satellites.

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) has been selected by NASA to launch the Aspera astrophysics mission, scheduled for Q1 2026 from Launch Complex 1. The mission will utilize Rocket Lab's Electron rocket to deploy a spacecraft equipped with a telescope designed to study ultraviolet light in the intergalactic medium. As NASA's first astrophysics mission focused on mapping ultraviolet signatures between galaxies, Aspera aims to enhance understanding of galaxy evolution and star formation.

This contract, awarded through NASA's VADR program, adds to Rocket Lab's portfolio of NASA missions, including the successful CAPSTONE lunar mission, TROPICS hurricane monitoring launches, and the PREFIRE climate study mission. The Aspera mission is part of NASA's Pioneers Program, which focuses on cost-effective astrophysics research.

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) has achieved a significant milestone by completing two Earth return missions in two months with its Pioneer spacecraft for Varda Space Industries. The company successfully supported the return of Varda's W-3 capsule on May 14, 2025, marking their third successful operation in the W-series missions.

The Pioneer spacecraft, designed and built by Rocket Lab, hosted Varda's 120kg capsule for 60 days in orbit, providing critical functions including power, communications, propulsion, and attitude control. This follows the successful W-1 mission in February 2024 (the first space manufacturing mission outside the ISS) and W-2 mission in March 2025. The fourth spacecraft in the series is currently under development at Rocket Lab's facility.

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) has secured a contract with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to launch its new Neutron medium-lift reusable rocket for a Rocket Cargo mission in 2026. The mission, part of the REGAL solicitation, will demonstrate point-to-point cargo transportation and re-entry capabilities for global defense logistics.

The Neutron rocket, capable of deploying 13,000 kg to low Earth orbit, is designed for constellation deployments, national security missions, and science payloads. The rocket's launch pad at Wallops Island, Virginia, is nearing completion, with production and testing of components, including the Archimedes engine, progressing steadily. Neutron's inaugural flight is scheduled for the second half of 2025.