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Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (RKLB) is pioneering the way in opening access to space to enhance life on Earth. As an orbital launch provider, Rocket Lab delivers rapid and reliable access to orbit for small satellites. The company’s core business involves the design, manufacture, and deployment of the Electron rocket—the world's first fully carbon composite orbital launch vehicle, powered by 3D printed, electric pump-fed engines.
Headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, Rocket Lab also operates a launch complex in Mahia, New Zealand, which is the world’s only private orbital launch range. This facility, Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, is licensed to launch every 72 hours, allowing Rocket Lab to maintain an unprecedented launch cadence.
Since January 21, 2018, when Rocket Lab successfully reached orbit with the Electron vehicle and deployed its first commercial payloads, the company has made significant strides in eliminating barriers to commercial space access. This milestone marked the beginning of a new era of space exploration and accessibility.
Rocket Lab is engaged in two main segments: Launch Services and Space Systems. The Electron and Neutron launch vehicles, along with the Photon satellite platform, are key products enabling a wide range of operations including national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications.
The company's end-to-end mission services cater to civil, defense, and commercial markets worldwide, including major revenue contributions from the United States. Geographically, Rocket Lab serves clients in Japan, Germany, and other international markets.
Recent developments and partnerships continue to bolster Rocket Lab’s market position. With a focus on innovation and reliability, Rocket Lab is continually expanding the frontiers of space exploration.
Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) successfully launched its 52nd Electron rocket, deploying a Capella Space satellite to low Earth orbit. The mission, named 'A Sky Full of SARs', took off from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand on August 12th. This marks the fifth launch for Capella since their first mission with Rocket Lab in August 2020.
The launch deployed Capella's third-generation SAR Acadia satellite to a 615km orbit. Rocket Lab provided a custom extended fairing and separation system for the payload. CEO Peter Beck highlighted Electron's reliability as a constellation builder, noting the company's nine successful missions in 2024 so far.
Rocket Lab recently announced a record ten-launch contract with Synspective, with additional launches scheduled for BlackSky and Kinéis. The company aims to achieve its busiest launch year in 2024.
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has begun installing a custom-built Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) machine for its Neutron rocket production line in Middle River, MD. This 90-tonne, 12-meter tall robotic machine, manufactured by Electroimpact in Washington, will automate the production of large carbon composite structures for the Neutron launch vehicle.
The AFP machine can move up to 30 meters in length, lay down carbon fiber composite at 100 meters per minute, and features an automated real-time inspection system. It's expected to save around 150,000 manufacturing hours in the Neutron rocket's production process. The machine will also be used for Electron launch vehicle components and other aerospace industry projects.
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has successfully completed the first hot fire test of its new Archimedes engine for the Neutron rocket. The test, conducted at NASA's Stennis Space Center in August 2024, achieved 102% power and anchored the engine's design ahead of Neutron's first flight scheduled for mid-2025. The Archimedes engine, designed for rapid reusability, will power both stages of the Neutron rocket and is capable of producing up to 165,000 pounds of thrust per engine.
Neutron is Rocket Lab's new reusable medium-lift rocket, designed to deliver up to 13,000 kilograms of payload to space. It features carbon composite structures and an innovative upper stage for complex satellite deployments, including mega-constellations. With this milestone achieved, Rocket Lab is moving into full production of flight engines and finalizing the qualification test campaign.
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) reported record revenue of $106 million for Q2 2024, a 71% year-on-year increase. The company achieved significant milestones, including:
1. Successful completion of the first Archimedes engine hot fire for the Neutron rocket
2. Progress in Neutron production and launch infrastructure
3. 17 new launch contracts signed year-to-date
4. Completion of twin satellites for NASA's ESCAPADE Mars mission
Electron remains the leading small rocket globally, accounting for 64% of non-SpaceX orbital U.S. launches in 2024. The company expects Q3 2024 revenue between $100-$105 million, with Space Systems revenue of $79-$84 million and Launch Services revenue of approximately $21 million.
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has announced its 52nd Electron mission, scheduled to launch from New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula during a 14-day window opening on August 11th. The mission will deploy Capella Space's Acadia-3 SAR satellite to a 615km circular orbit. This launch comes just eight days after Rocket Lab's previous mission, showcasing the company's rapid launch capabilities.
This upcoming mission will be Rocket Lab's tenth launch for 2024, matching their annual record set in 2023. It marks the fifth launch for Capella Space, contributing to their Earth-imaging constellation. Rocket Lab is also providing a custom extended fairing and separation system for the satellite.
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has partnered with Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) to develop a new global ground station service for its operations and customers. This service aims to streamline satellite communications for various missions, including Neutron launches, Electron launches, and on-orbit operations. The upgraded service offers:
- Unique antenna tracking features
- Real-time telemetry, tracking, and control
- Extended monitoring capabilities in S-band, X-band, and Ka-band
- Automated ground station scheduling
This partnership enhances Rocket Lab's end-to-end mission solutions, allowing customers to focus on their core missions while benefiting from reliable and scalable communication services.
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has introduced its next-generation satellite separation system, the Advanced Satellite Dispenser (ASD), at the Small Satellite Conference in Logan, Utah. The ASD builds upon Rocket Lab's heritage Canisterized Satellite Dispenser (CSD) technology, which has successfully deployed over 60 satellites across 11+ years. Key features of the ASD include:
- Cost-effective and versatile deployment for small satellites in CubeSat form factor
- Option to remove payload encapsulation during flight or use optional walls and door
- Flexibility for satellite designers to adapt payloads to mission needs
- Uses heritage preloaded tab interface for mission assurance
- 100% mission success rate with Rocket Lab's separation systems
The ASD strengthens Rocket Lab's vertically integrated space systems products and services, building on their acquisition of Planetary Systems in 2021.
Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) successfully launched its 51st Electron rocket, deploying a satellite for Japanese Earth-imaging company Synspective. The mission, named 'Owl For One, One For Owl', lifted off from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand on August 3rd, 2024. This marks the fifth of 16 planned launches for Synspective's StriX SAR-imaging satellite constellation.
Key highlights:
- Second launch for Synspective in 2024
- Custom Electron fairing and advanced mid-mission maneuver provided
- New multi-launch agreement for 10 additional Electron launches from 2025-2027
- Rocket Lab remains the sole launch provider for Synspective's constellation
CEO Peter Beck emphasized Electron's suitability for constellation builders like Synspective, highlighting the company's flexible and tailored orbital access capabilities.
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has completed integration and testing of two spacecraft for NASA's ESCAPADE mission to Mars. The twin spacecraft, named Blue and Gold, were built for the University of California Berkeley's Space Science Laboratory and NASA. They will measure plasma and magnetic fields around Mars to study its magnetosphere and upper atmosphere.
Based on Rocket Lab's Explorer spacecraft platform, the duo features company-built components including solar panels, star trackers, and propulsion systems. The project was completed in just three and a half years, showcasing Rocket Lab's efficient production capabilities. The spacecraft are scheduled to ship to Cape Canaveral in August for integration onto Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, with launch planned for this year.
Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) has announced its 51st Electron mission, 'Owl for One, One for Owl', set to launch from New Zealand during a 14-day window starting July 31st NZST. This mission, the fifth of 16 planned launches for Japanese Earth observation company Synspective, will deploy a single StriX satellite to low Earth orbit.
The launch highlights Rocket Lab's ongoing partnership with Synspective, recently strengthened by a new multi-launch contract for ten dedicated Electron launches from 2025-2027. Rocket Lab's CEO, Sir Peter Beck, emphasized the company's reliability and unique in-space capabilities as key factors in securing multi-launch contracts with international customers.
Synspective's StriX satellites use synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology for Earth observation, capable of monitoring in all weather conditions. Applications include infrastructure monitoring, agricultural analysis, and disaster assessment.
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