2 days ago
Rocket Lab Successfully Launches Its 66th Electron Rocket
Rocket Lab USA Inc. RKLB recently completed its 66th successful Electron rocket launch. The latest launch mission encompassed the deployment of the QPS-SAR-11 satellite into the Earth's orbit.
This mission is part of the contract that Rocket Lab secured in February 2025, from Japan-based Earth imaging company iQPS, marking one of its largest Electron launch agreements to date. This deal involves eight dedicated Electron launches, with six missions scheduled for 2025, out of which four are already completed, and two in 2026.
Such successful missions reflect RKLB's proven expertise in launch services and further strengthen its footprint in the space industry.
What's Favoring RKLB Stock?
In the modern era of space exploration, factors like rapid technological advancements, the growing demand for satellite deployment, increasing commercial space activities and rising investments in space infrastructure are fueling the growth of the space launch services market.
This must have prompted the Grand View Research firm to estimate that the global space launch services market will witness a compound annual growth rate of 15.6% during the 2024-2030 time period.
Such robust market growth prospects are expected to benefit companies like Rocket Lab. With its advanced Electron rocket and expanding capabilities in small satellite launches, the company is well-positioned to leverage the booming demand for frequent and cost-effective launches. It is also making strides in reusable rocket technology, which significantly reduces costs and improves launch efficiency.
To capture further market shares, Rocket Lab is currently developing the Neutron rocket, designed for larger payloads and constellation deployments. This new product should further bolster RKLB's position in the market and fetch solid revenues.
Opportunities for Other Space Stocks
Other companies that are expected to enjoy the perks of the expanding global space launch services market have been discussed below.
Northrop Grumman Corporation NOC: It is one of the key players in the space industry, providing launch vehicles and propulsion systems through its space systems division. The company's innovations in rocket technology and satellite deployment make it a significant beneficiary of the growing demand for space launch services.
Northrop has a long-term (three to five years) earnings growth rate of 3.3%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NOC's 2025 sales indicates year-over-year growth of 2.8%.
The Boeing Company BA and Lockheed Martin Corporation 's LMT joint venture, United Launch Alliance ('ULA'), has been the United States' premier launch services provider since its establishment in 2006. The JV has successfully launched more than 150 Atlas and Delta rockets since 2006.
Boeing has a long-term earnings growth rate of 18.1%, while that for Lockheed is pegged at 10.5%. The Zacks Consensus Estimates for BA and LMT's 2025 sales indicates year-over-year growth of 25.6 and 4.7%, respectively.
RKLB Stock's Price Movement
Shares of RKLB have gained 501.3% in the past year compared with the industry 's 42.2% growth.
RKLB's Zacks Rank
RKLB currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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The Boeing Company (BA): Free Stock Analysis Report
Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT): Free Stock Analysis Report
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC): Free Stock Analysis Report
Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB): Free Stock Analysis Report
