Rocket Lab Usa Inc - RKLB STOCK NEWS

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) has unveiled Flatellite, a new satellite designed for mass production and large constellation deployment. The scalable, long-life satellite enables secure, low-latency connectivity and remote sensing for national security, defense, and commercial markets.

Key features include payload flexibility for telecommunications and remote sensing, high launch efficiency through stackable design optimized for Neutron rocket integration, and cost-effectiveness through rapid mass production. Flatellite incorporates Rocket Lab's cyber-secure MAX Constellation flight software and InterMission ground software.

This strategic initiative represents Rocket Lab's progression toward becoming a fully integrated end-to-end space company, leveraging its vertical integration capabilities and existing launch vehicles (Neutron and Electron) for efficient constellation deployment. The company currently has over 40 spacecraft in backlog for various commercial, civil, and national security missions.

Rocket Lab (RKLB) reported record financial results for Q4 and full-year 2024. The company achieved record annual revenue of $436.2 million and Q4 revenue of $132.4 million, representing a 382% increase from Q4 2021.

Key operational highlights include 16 Electron launches in 2024, a 60% increase from 2023, with a booked manifest supporting over 20 launches for 2025. The company secured new contracts, including a significant multi-launch agreement with iQPS and selection by Kratos for a $1.45 billion federal hypersonic testing contract.

In Space Systems, Rocket Lab introduced Flatellite, a new constellation-class satellite platform, and achieved milestones in national defense programs. For Q1 2025, the company projects revenue between $117-123 million with Non-GAAP Gross Margins of 30-32%.

Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) has successfully completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the U.S. Space Force's VICTUS HAZE mission, a $32M Tactically Responsive Space program. The mission will demonstrate responsive space capabilities using the company's Pioneer spacecraft, launched via their Electron rocket from New Zealand.

The project aims to showcase three key capabilities: launch readiness within 24 hours' notice, rendezvous and proximity operations for tracking target objects, and the ability to identify on-orbit threats. The successful CDR completion marks the transition to production phase, with launch scheduled for later this year.

Rocket Lab will handle all aspects of the mission, from spacecraft design and production to launch and operations, leveraging their end-to-end space solutions to respond quickly to potential orbital threats.

Rocket Lab (RKLB) has successfully completed its 60th Electron rocket launch, deploying BlackSky's first Gen-3 Earth-imaging satellite into a 470km orbit. The 'Fasten Your Space Belts' mission launched from New Zealand on February 19th, marking the ninth Electron launch for BlackSky since 2019.

This mission demonstrates Rocket Lab's increasing launch cadence, occurring just ten days after their previous launch. The company has established itself as BlackSky's primary launch provider, utilizing their proprietary Motorized Lightband separation system for satellite deployment.

The successful launch represents a significant milestone for BlackSky's constellation expansion, with their new Gen-3 satellite promising to deliver very high-resolution imagery and AI-enabled analytics. Rocket Lab plans additional dedicated Electron launches for BlackSky in 2025, alongside missions from Virginia and the anticipated debut of their new medium-lift reusable rocket, Neutron.

Rocket Lab (RKLB) has delivered its third Pioneer spacecraft to Varda Space Industries at Vandenberg Space Force Base for the upcoming W-3 mission, marking the second delivery within a month. The spacecraft will support Varda's orbital processing and hypersonic reentry mission, providing essential functions for Varda's 120kg manufacturing capsule that produces products in microgravity.

The previous mission, W-2, is currently operating in orbit, conducting research for the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA's Ames Research Center. The Pioneer spacecraft integrates various components including propulsion, flight software, avionics, and other subsystems. After completing orbital production, the capsule will conduct reentry maneuvers and land at Australia's Koonibba Test Range.

W-3 is scheduled for launch no earlier than March from VSFB, while the fourth and final spacecraft for Varda is being assembled at Rocket Lab's facility in Long Beach, California.

BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) and Rocket Lab have set a launch window starting February 18 for BlackSky's first Gen-3 satellite. The mission, dubbed 'Fasten Your Space Belts,' will enhance BlackSky's capabilities by adding 35-centimeter very high-resolution imaging to their existing constellation.

The Gen-3 satellite has been encapsulated onto an Electron rocket at Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. This launch marks a significant advancement for BlackSky's defense and intelligence customers, with more Gen-3 satellites planned for regular launches throughout the coming year.

The enhanced Gen-3 capabilities will enable automated detection, identification, and classification of vehicles, aircraft, vessels, and other tactical objects. This upgrade aims to strengthen BlackSky's space-based intelligence applications for tactical ISR missions and strategic intelligence operations.

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) has announced its upcoming mission 'Fasten Your Space Belts' to launch BlackSky's first Gen-3 satellite. The launch is scheduled from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, with a launch window opening February 18th UTC.

This marks Rocket Lab's ninth launch for BlackSky since 2019, making it BlackSky's most prolific launch provider. The mission will deploy the satellite to a circular 470km orbit, representing BlackSky's first Gen-3 satellite in their mid-inclination, Earth-imaging constellation.

The launch will be Rocket Lab's second mission of 2025 and its 60th Electron launch overall. It follows a record year of 16 successful launches in 2024. The mission will increase Rocket Lab's total satellite deployment count to 210.

Rocket Lab (RKLB) has successfully completed its 59th Electron mission, launching five satellites into Low Earth Orbit for French IoT constellation operator Kinéis. The 'IOT 4 You and Me' mission, launched from New Zealand on February 9, 2025, marks the fourth launch in a five-launch agreement to deploy Kinéis's entire constellation.

The satellites were deployed to a 647 km low Earth orbit, representing Rocket Lab's first Electron launch of 2025. This mission is part of an ambitious project to deploy Kinéis's complete constellation of 25 nanosatellites within eight months, enabling global IoT coverage for applications including forest fire detection, water resource management, and logistics tracking.

The final launch in the Kinéis series will be announced in the coming weeks, with another Electron launch scheduled for February 2025.

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) has secured a multi-launch contract with Japanese Earth imaging company iQPS, encompassing four Electron missions. The agreement, signed in July 2024, includes three dedicated launches in 2025 and one in 2026 from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand.

Each mission will deploy a single satellite as part of iQPS' planned 36-satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) constellation, capable of capturing high-resolution images (less than one meter) through clouds and at night. This contract follows Rocket Lab's successful deployment of iQPS' QPS-SAR-5 satellite in December 2023.

All iQPS satellites will utilize Rocket Lab's Motorized Lightband separation system. The company has established itself as a leading launch provider for Japanese and South Korean space users, having conducted missions for various regional operators including KAIST, Astroscale-Japan, and Synspective.