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 USA is achieving a significant milestone by launching a pre-flown Rutherford engine on an upcoming Electron mission. This 3D-printed engine, flown previously in May 2022, has undergone extensive testing and is set for re-flight in the third quarter of this year. This step is part of Rocket Lab's reusability program, which has successfully recovered hardware from six Electron missions, enhancing launch availability and reducing costs. The company anticipates boosting the recovery rate of Electron missions from around 50% to 60-70%. Through this iterative development, Rocket Lab aims to set new standards for small launch vehicles and inform the future development of its Neutron rocket.
Rocket Lab USA has introduced a new suborbital launch vehicle named HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron), leveraging technology from its Electron rocket. Scheduled for its inaugural launch in the first half of 2023, HASTE aims to enhance hypersonic system technology through reliable and frequent flight test opportunities. With a payload capacity of up to 700 kg, it features enhanced capabilities for hypersonic payload deployment.
Rocket Lab has secured contracts from the U.S. Department of Defense and Defense Innovation Unit to support hypersonic testing initiatives, marking significant expansion in its service offerings. The company is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for hypersonic testing, further establishing its footprint in the defense sector.
Rocket Lab USA (Nasdaq: RKLB) announced the launch of the ST-16HV star tracker, a new mass-producible attitude determination sensor for commercial use. This product is a derivative of the existing ST-16RT2 star tracker and aims to meet the increasing demand for affordable satellite solutions for both commercial and government projects. The ST-16HV is designed for rapid deployment, particularly in low Earth orbit satellite constellations, and is produced at Rocket Lab’s Sinclair facility, which already manufactures reaction wheels.
The introduction of the ST-16HV follows recent product launches, including the Frontier-X satellite radio and the 12Nms reaction wheel assembly. Rocket Lab maintains over 100 star trackers currently in orbit, supporting numerous space missions, including those for NASA's Artemis program.
Rocket Lab announces plans to launch NASA's TROPICS satellites across two dedicated Electron missions from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand in May 2023. These missions are critical for monitoring tropical cyclones, providing vital data for understanding storm dynamics and improving prediction models.
The first launch, titled 'Rocket Like a Hurricane,' is scheduled for May 1 NZST (April 30 EDT), followed by 'Coming to a Storm Near You' around May 16 NZST (May 15 EDT). The satellites will be deployed into a specific orbit with an altitude of 550 kilometers.
Rocket Lab was selected for these missions under NASA's Venture-class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare launch services contract, showcasing the company's capabilities in supporting essential climate science initiatives.
Rocket Lab has successfully completed its 35th Electron rocket launch, deploying two Gen-2 satellites for BlackSky on March 24, 2023. This mission, named 'The Beat Goes On,' highlights the company's rapid turnaround capabilities, achieving a record seven-day interval between launches from New Zealand and Virginia. Additionally, the first stage of the Electron rocket was successfully splashed down in the ocean, marking progress towards its reusability goal. Rocket Lab plans to exceed nine launches this year, aiming for a total of 15 missions, including contracts with NASA and IoT connectivity providers.
Rocket Lab announces its 8th mission for BlackSky, launching two Gen-2 Earth-imaging satellites on March 22, 2023, from New Zealand. This mission, named “The Beat Goes On,” follows a successful launch just six days prior and marks Rocket Lab's contribution of 9 satellites to BlackSky since 2019. The mission aims to expand BlackSky's satellite constellation to 16, enhancing its real-time geospatial intelligence services. Additionally, Rocket Lab plans to recover the Electron rocket’s first stage post-launch, aiding in their recovery and reuse program.
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has successfully launched its 34th Electron rocket, marking its second mission from Wallops Island, Virginia. The 'Stronger Together' mission, conducted on March 16, 2023, deployed two 100-kg class satellites for Capella Space. CEO Peter Beck highlighted the accelerated launch pace, with simultaneous preparations in New Zealand for upcoming missions. The newly constructed Launch Complex 2 enhances Rocket Lab's capabilities, aiming for up to 130 launches yearly. Upcoming missions include launches for Spaceflight Inc. and NASA's TROPICS constellation, further demonstrating Rocket Lab's expanding role in the space industry.
Rocket Lab has announced its upcoming Electron launch, named “Stronger Together”, scheduled for March 11, 2023. This mission will deploy two 100-kg class Earth observation satellites for Capella Space, enhancing their SAR constellation. The launch will take place at Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 on Wallops Island, Virginia. This marks Rocket Lab's second launch from this location, following a successful inaugural mission in January 2023.
The mission is part of a multi-launch deal with Capella Space, securing five launches this year. The launch window opens at 18:00 EST, with public viewing options available.
Rocket Lab has secured a multi-launch deal with Capella Space to conduct four dedicated Electron missions starting in late 2023. These missions will deploy Acadia satellites into low Earth orbit, enhancing Capella's capacity to meet growing demand for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery. The announcement follows a successful launch for Capella in 2020. With planned launches from New Zealand and Virginia, Rocket Lab's flexible launch solutions will ensure timely deployment of Capella's advanced satellite technology, which offers 24/7 imaging capabilities. This agreement signifies a strengthening partnership aimed at optimizing SAR data delivery for global customers.
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (NASDAQ: RKLB) announced the establishment of a new subsidiary, Rocket Lab Australia, aimed at enhancing Australia’s national space capabilities. The Australian Government targets a tripling of the space sector from AUD$4 billion in 2016 to AUD$12 billion by 2030, supported by over AUD$2 billion in funding since 2018. This initiative aligns with Australia’s efforts to support the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, expanding Rocket Lab's operational footprint to most member nations. CEO Peter Beck emphasized the company’s role in supporting Australian satellite missions and national security payloads.