Mission Success for Rocket Lab’s Latest Suborbital Hypersonic Launch

Rhea-AI Summary

Rocket Lab (RKLB) successfully completed a suborbital mission in November testing hypersonic technology for the Department of Defense. The mission was part of the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) project, awarded by Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane through S2MARTS.

The company deployed new cutting-edge technologies optimized for hypersonic tests with increased payload capacity, while also designing, manufacturing, and integrating the experimental hypersonic instrumentation. Since 2017, Rocket Lab has launched over 200 payloads from its U.S. and New Zealand sites, with their Electron rocket becoming the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually.

Positive

• Successfully executed hypersonic technology test mission for Department of Defense
• Demonstrated new capabilities in hypersonic testing with increased payload capacity
• Secured government contract through Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Technology Analyst

This successful hypersonic test launch represents a significant advancement in Rocket Lab's defense capabilities and market positioning. The MACH-TB project collaboration with the Department of Defense demonstrates strong government trust and potential for recurring revenue streams. The mission's success in testing new payload capacities and instrumentation on an accelerated timeline showcases RKLB's growing technological sophistication in the hypersonic domain. This capability differentiates RKLB from competitors and strengthens its position in the lucrative defense sector, particularly as hypersonic technology becomes increasingly critical for national security. The ability to provide commercial launch services for hypersonic testing creates a compelling value proposition, potentially leading to more defense contracts.

Aerospace Industry Analyst

The successful execution of this suborbital mission highlights Rocket Lab's expanding capabilities beyond traditional satellite launches. The company's vertical integration - designing, manufacturing and launching hypersonic instrumentation - demonstrates operational efficiency and technical competence. With 190+ payloads deployed and multiple launch sites operational, RKLB is establishing itself as a versatile space services provider. The development of HASTE suborbital vehicle alongside Electron and Neutron creates a comprehensive launch portfolio. This diversification into hypersonic testing services opens new revenue streams while leveraging existing expertise and infrastructure. The accelerated timeline delivery particularly stands out as a competitive advantage in the fast-paced defense sector.

LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it successfully launched a suborbital mission in November to test hypersonic technology for the Department of Defense.

This mission provided hypersonic test launch capabilities under the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonics Test Bed (MACH-TB) project, which aims to increase hypersonic flight testing for the United States in support of technology maturation. The project was awarded by Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane through the Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S2MARTS) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) vehicle on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense Test Resource Management Center (TRMC).

George Rumford, Director of the TRMC, states: “Leveraging commercial launch services allows our Nation to affordably test components early and frequently, accelerating hypersonic development.”

Rocket Lab’s test platform showcased a new suite of cutting-edge technologies optimized for hypersonic technology tests with vastly increased payloads. Rocket Lab also designed, manufactured, assembled, and integrated the experimental hypersonic instrumentation which was launched on this mission, but on a highly accelerated timeline.

Rocket Lab’s Vice President Global Launch Services, Brian Rogers, says: “Hypersonic technology testing is a critical need for the nation and one that we’re proud to be serving with our test launches. Again, we broke new ground with this launch, and our ability to deliver successful tests demonstrates our commitment to working with our government and industry partners in pushing the boundaries of hypersonic innovation.”

Rocket Lab has been launching missions to space for commercial and government customers since 2017, with more than 200 payloads deployed from its United States and New Zealand launch sites.

+ About Rocket Lab

Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier, and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle, the HASTE suborbital launch vehicle for hypersonic tests, a family of flight proven spacecraft, and the larger Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually. Rocket Lab has deployed 190+ payloads from its launch sites in the United States and New Zealand for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s family of spacecraft have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a third launch pad in Virginia. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.

+ Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding our launch and space systems operations, launch schedule and window, safe and repeatable access to space, Neutron development, operational expansion and business strategy are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “plan,” “target,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the factors, risks and uncertainties included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Relations section of our website at www.rocketlabusa.com, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209015528/en/

+ Rocket Lab Media Contact

Murielle Baker

media@rocketlabusa.com

Source: Rocket Lab USA, Inc.

FAQ

When did Rocket Lab (RKLB) complete its latest hypersonic test mission?

Rocket Lab completed its latest hypersonic test mission in November 2023.

What is the purpose of Rocket Lab's (RKLB) MACH-TB project?

The MACH-TB project aims to increase hypersonic flight testing capabilities for the United States in support of technology maturation.

How many payloads has Rocket Lab (RKLB) deployed since 2017?

Rocket Lab has deployed more than 200 payloads from its United States and New Zealand launch sites since 2017.

What is Rocket Lab's (RKLB) position in U.S. rocket launch frequency?

Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually.