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 (Nasdaq: RKLB) has established Rocket Lab Germany GmbH in Munich, marking a strategic European expansion to support sovereign space capabilities. The new entity builds on Rocket Lab’s acquisition of laser communications specialist Mynaric AG, which will continue producing optical terminals while leveraging Rocket Lab’s manufacturing and supply chain expertise.
According to Rocket Lab, Rocket Lab Germany is intended to enable potential satellite, payload and component manufacturing in Germany and to provide European customers with access to launch services on Electron and the in-development Neutron vehicle, supporting commercial, defense and national security constellations.
Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) introduced GHOST (Global Hypersonic & Orbital Spaceport Technology), a containerized, globally deployable launch system that enables suborbital and orbital missions for its Electron and HASTE rockets from almost any location worldwide.
Packaged in standard shipping containers, GHOST includes rockets, launch infrastructure, ground support, and range control systems. The first GHOST location, Launch Complex 4 at the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Kodiak, Alaska, will feature two pads for high-frequency campaigns, complementing Rocket Lab’s existing pads in New Zealand and Virginia and bringing its total operated pads to six across two hemispheres. Initial operational use is planned with a suborbital launch from Alaska in 2027, targeting responsive and time-critical national security and sovereign launch needs.
Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) has been selected by space infrastructure company Kepler Communications for a dedicated Neutron launch no earlier than 2028 from Launch Complex 3 on Wallops Island, Virginia. The mission will deploy multiple satellites to low Earth orbit to expand Kepler’s constellation with added optical connectivity, on-orbit compute, and hosted payload capacity for commercial and government missions.
This is Kepler’s first dedicated mission on a commercial launch vehicle after using rideshare launches for its initial 33 satellites, giving the company more control over schedule and orbital parameters. Rocket Lab said this contract adds to a consecutive streak of Neutron commercial deals, pushing its manifest toward full capacity through the end of the decade.
Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) reported record Q2 2026 revenue of $234.1 million, up 62% year-over-year and $34 million above Q1’s record, with product revenue $181.3 million and service revenue $52.7 million. Gross profit was $84.6 million versus $46.4 million a year earlier.
Backlog reached a record $2.36 billion, up 137% year-over-year, and the company cited more than $1 billion in new contracts already entered into in Q3 across launch and space systems. Net loss for Q2 narrowed to $49.3 million (‑$0.08 per share) from $66.4 million (‑$0.13 per share) in Q2 2025.
Rocket Lab closed the acquisitions of Mynaric and Motiv and announced an agreement to acquire Iridium Communications. Q2 and post‑quarter signings added more than $437 million in new launch contracts, bringing launch backlog to 90+ missions. Cash and cash equivalents rose to $2.13 billion, supported by $1.53 billion of ATM equity offering proceeds.
For Q3 2026, Rocket Lab guides revenue between $250 million and $265 million, GAAP gross margin of 29%–31%, non‑GAAP gross margin of 35%–37%, GAAP operating expenses of $143–$149 million, non‑GAAP operating expenses of $121–$127 million, and an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $17–$23 million.
Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) successfully completed its 92nd overall Electron mission, launching QPS-SAR-13 for repeat customer Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS) from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 9:18 p.m. NZST on August 6, 2026.
This was Rocket Lab’s 13th Electron launch of 2026 and the 8th QPS-SAR deployment with 100% mission success. iQPS has booked another 10 dedicated Electron launches to complete its Earth-imaging SAR constellation before 2030, and the next mission, “The Lightning God Defends,” is scheduled later this month.
Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) has been awarded a $397 million contract by the U.S. Space Force under the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) program. Rocket Lab will develop, launch, and operate multiple advanced Flatellites equipped with space-based sensors and secure, low-latency, high-bandwidth communications.
The Flatellites will be launched on Rocket Lab’s upcoming Neutron rocket and operated from secure facilities, providing data and tracking information to the Space Force. The contract includes an option for additional Flatellites and leverages Rocket Lab’s vertically integrated model across satellite design, manufacturing, launch, and on‑orbit mission operations to support a resilient, real-time battlespace awareness architecture.
Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) signed a new multi-launch contract with Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS) for three dedicated Electron missions. Scheduled from late 2027 from Launch Complex 1, each flight will deploy one QPS-SAR satellite to 575 km low Earth orbit, lifting iQPS’ total Electron launches booked to 18.
Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) announced its largest launch contract to date, a $266 million multi-launch agreement with the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command’s Rocket Systems Launch Program. The deal covers 12 suborbital launches with options for up to six additional launches, supporting U.S. missile defense and other critical national security missions.
The first launch under this contract is expected no earlier than the end of 2026. Missions will primarily fly from a new Rocket Lab site at the Pacific Spaceport Complex–Alaska (Kodiak), complementing existing launch complexes in New Zealand and Virginia. According to Rocket Lab, the award underscores Space Force confidence in its high-frequency, responsive launch capabilities.
Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) announced it will release its second quarter 2026 financial results after the close of U.S. markets on Monday, August 10, 2026. The company will host a conference call at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time), with a live webcast and replay available on its Investor Relations website.
Iridium (Nasdaq: IRDM) will release its second-quarter 2026 financial results on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The company has a definitive agreement to be acquired by Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) and, due to this pending transaction, will not host an earnings conference call. The Q2 2026 earnings release will be available on Iridium’s investor relations website.