Rocket Lab Corporation reports developments in launch services and space systems for civil, defense and commercial space customers. The company designs and manufactures Electron and Neutron launch vehicles, the Photon satellite platform, and spacecraft components used in missions for national security, scientific research, Earth observation, communications and other orbital applications.
Company news commonly covers launch contracts, mission awards, hypersonic test activity through HASTE, progress on Neutron, Space Systems products such as star trackers, and operating results tied to backlog, revenue and program execution. Updates also include defense partnerships, customer manifests, acquisitions that expand the space systems portfolio, and capital-structure matters.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) has signed its largest Electron launch agreement with Synspective, a Japanese Earth observation company, for 10 launches, marking a significant milestone in their partnership. This deal, announced in Tokyo, continues their collaboration that began in 2020 and involves launching Synspective’s synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. The new agreement includes 10 dedicated launches scheduled from 2025 to 2027, in addition to two launches already planned for this year. The deal allows Synspective to control the launch schedule and deployment parameters, enhancing their service capabilities. The partnership is expected to boost both companies' growth and innovation in the space industry.
Rocket Lab announced the signing of a preliminary memorandum of terms with the Department of Commerce to receive up to $23.9M under the CHIPS Act. This funding will expand Rocket Lab's semiconductor production for spacecraft at its New Mexico facility, creating over 100 jobs. The company, which acquired SolAero Technologies in 2022, is one of two U.S. producers of space-grade solar cells. These cells power critical space missions like NASA’s Artemis and the James Webb Space Telescope. The expansion aims to boost production by 50% in three years, meeting growing demand for national security and commercial satellites. New Mexico will also provide $25.5M in additional support. This move is part of a broader U.S. effort to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
Rocket Lab announced the launch window for its 50th Electron mission, 'No Time Toulouse,' set to begin on June 19, 2024, from New Zealand. The mission will deploy five IoT satellites for French company Kinéis, the first of five dedicated launches. Kinéis, backed by investors including CNES and CLS, aims to enhance global IoT connectivity with a new 25-satellite constellation. This milestone marks Rocket Lab's 50th Electron launch since its first in 2017 and will be broadcast live. The Electron rocket has become one of the most frequently launched U.S. rockets, with 190 satellites already deployed.
Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) successfully completed the second of two Electron launches for NASA's PREFIRE mission, deploying a climate monitoring satellite just 11 days after the first launch.
The second launch, titled 'PREFIRE and Ice', took place on June 5th, 2024 from Mahia, New Zealand, placing the satellite into a 525km orbit.
The first launch, 'Ready, Aim, PREFIRE', occurred on May 25th, 2024. Both satellites will study heat loss from Earth's polar regions to improve climate and ice-loss models.
Rocket Lab has now delivered 185 satellites to space and completed its 49th Electron launch overall. Details for the 50th launch will be announced soon.
Rocket Lab has announced the launch date for the second of two Electron launches for NASA's PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment) mission. The 'PREFIRE and Ice' launch is set for June 1, 2024, from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, following the successful 'Ready, Aim, PREFIRE' launch on May 25, 2024. This mission will deploy two cube satellites to measure heat radiation from Earth's poles, aiding climate change predictions. Rocket Lab's rapid, precise launches are essential for the mission's success. 'PREFIRE and Ice' marks Rocket Lab's 49th Electron launch overall and seventh in 2024.
Rocket Lab successfully launched the first of two climate science satellites for NASA's PREFIRE mission from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand on May 25, 2024. The mission aims to detect heat loss over the Arctic and Antarctica by deploying two satellites into a 525km Low Earth Orbit. The second satellite will be launched in a few days. This mission will provide critical data to improve climate and ice models, aiding in better predictions of sea level and weather changes. Rocket Lab's Electron rocket was chosen for its ability to launch dedicated missions to precise orbits on demand.
CesiumAstro has been selected by Rocket Lab to provide its Vireo active electronically scanned array (AESA) radio frequency (RF) communications payload for integration on 18 space vehicles supporting the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 2 Transport Layer. The payload, launching in mid-2027, will be the first multi-beam-capable Ka-band communications system operating in the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), delivering secure, low-latency communications and missile tracking capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Redwire (NYSE: RDW) has been selected by Rocket Lab to provide antennas and RF hardware for the Space Development Agency's Transport Layer Tranche 2 Satellite Constellation. This partnership will support the development of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) to enhance secure communication for warfighters on land, in the air, and at sea. Redwire's significant investments in manufacturing capacity and assembly, integration, and test capacity highlight their commitment to the program. The company will produce 18 ship sets of antennas and RF front ends for Tranche 2 at its newly expanded Colorado facility, ensuring the success of the project.
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has completed the assembly of its 3D printed Archimedes engine for the Neutron launch vehicle, beginning an intensive test campaign at NASA's Stennis Space Center. The engine, designed for reusability, can produce 165,000 lbf and is set for a minimum of 20 launches per engine. The engine test is a critical step towards Neutron's first launch in mid-2025.
Rocket Lab, a global leader in launch services and space systems, completed the selection of subcontractors for 18 satellites being developed for the Space Development Agency. The company, under a $515 million contract, will lead the design, development, and operations of the satellite constellation to provide secure communications and missile tracking for the U.S. Department of Defense.