Company Description
Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) is a space company that provides launch services, spacecraft, payloads, and satellite components to commercial, government, and national security customers. According to the company’s disclosures, its activities span civil, defense, and commercial markets, with missions supporting Earth observation, national security, scientific research, and exploration beyond Earth.
Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small-lift orbital rocket, described in company materials as the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket. Electron has deployed satellites for private and public sector organizations, including missions for Earth imaging companies, national space agencies, and defense-related programs. The company also operates HASTE, a suborbital variant of Electron that provides hypersonic test launch capability for the U.S. government and allied nations.
In addition to small launch, Rocket Lab is developing the Neutron launch vehicle. Company materials describe Neutron as a reusable, medium-class rocket designed to provide cost-effective, reliable, and responsive launch for commercial satellite constellations, national security missions, and civil space exploration. Neutron features a carbon composite structure and a distinctive fairing system, known as the “Hungry Hippo,” in which the fairing halves remain attached to the first stage, open to release the second stage and payload, then close again for return and reuse.
Rocket Lab’s business extends beyond launch vehicles into space systems. The company provides spacecraft platforms, payloads, and satellite components, including reaction wheels and other attitude determination and control hardware. Its spacecraft and components have supported hundreds of missions, including constellations, GPS-related missions, and exploration missions to destinations such as the Moon, Mars, and Venus, as stated in its public descriptions.
Rocket Lab operates in multiple segments. Earlier descriptions identify Launch Services and Space Systems as key segments, reflecting the company’s dual focus on providing access to orbit and supplying spacecraft and subsystems. Launch Services encompass Electron and HASTE missions for commercial, civil, and defense customers. Space Systems include satellite platforms, payloads, and components that can be integrated into missions launched on Electron or on other providers’ launch vehicles.
The company has highlighted its role in national security space. It has conducted missions for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command and the Department of War’s Space Test Program, deploying experimental spacecraft and technology demonstrations. Rocket Lab has also been awarded significant contracts by the U.S. Space Development Agency to design and manufacture satellites equipped with missile warning, tracking, and defense sensors, including its own Phoenix infrared sensor payload and StarLite space protection sensors. These programs are part of broader architectures intended to provide global, persistent detection and tracking of emerging missile threats.
Rocket Lab’s international customer base includes space agencies and research institutions. The company has launched dedicated missions for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) under JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program, deploying technology demonstration satellites developed by Japanese companies, universities, and research institutions. It has also accelerated dedicated launches for the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), deploying Earth observation satellites designed to monitor natural disasters along the Korean Peninsula.
Company disclosures also describe a presence in Canada through a subsidiary focused on satellite hardware. Rocket Lab’s Canadian operations, based on acquired capabilities, design and deliver reaction wheels and related components that have flown on satellites across a wide mass range. The company has received funding from the Canadian Space Agency’s Space Technology Development Program to develop a new medium-class reaction wheel intended for satellites in the roughly 500 kg to 1,000 kg range.
Rocket Lab’s corporate structure includes Rocket Lab Corporation as the parent holding company and Rocket Lab USA, Inc. as a wholly owned subsidiary. A holding company reorganization made Rocket Lab Corporation the successor issuer to Rocket Lab USA, Inc., with outstanding shares of the predecessor automatically converted into corresponding shares of the new parent. The company is incorporated in Delaware and holds annual meetings of stockholders, as described in its proxy materials.
Rocket Lab’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol RKLB. The company has utilized shelf registration statements and at-the-market equity offering programs to raise capital, and it has pursued acquisitions to expand its capabilities, including the acquisition of the parent holding company of GEOST LLC and an announced agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of Mynaric AG, subject to regulatory approvals and transaction conditions described in its SEC filings.
Through its combination of launch vehicles, spacecraft platforms, payloads, and satellite components, Rocket Lab positions itself as an integrated provider across multiple parts of the space value chain. Its missions support commercial imaging constellations, technology demonstrations for national space agencies, hypersonic test flights for defense customers, and missile warning and tracking architectures for national security space programs.
Stock Performance
Rocket Lab Usa (RKLB) stock last traded at $60.93, down 7.95% from the previous close. Over the past 12 months, the stock has gained 230.8%. At a market capitalization of $37.5B, RKLB is classified as a large-cap stock with approximately 569.4M shares outstanding.
Latest News
Rocket Lab Usa has 10 recent news articles, with the latest published yesterday. Of the recent coverage, 3 articles coincided with positive price movement and 6 with negative movement. Key topics include partnership, acquisition. View all RKLB news →
SEC Filings
Rocket Lab Usa has filed 5 recent SEC filings, including 2 Form 4, 1 Form PRE 14A, 1 Form SCHEDULE 13G/A, 1 Form 8-K. The most recent filing was submitted on March 27, 2026. SEC filings provide transparency into a company's financial condition, material events, and regulatory compliance. View all RKLB SEC filings →
Insider Radar
Insider selling at Rocket Lab Usa over the past 90 days can reflect routine portfolio management, scheduled trading plans (Rule 10b5-1), tax planning, or compensation-related dispositions rather than a directional view on the stock.
Financial Highlights
Rocket Lab Usa generated $601.8M in revenue over the trailing twelve months, retaining a 34.4% gross margin, operating income reached -$228.8M (-38.0% operating margin), and net income was -$198.2M, reflecting a -32.9% net profit margin. Diluted earnings per share stood at $-0.37. The company generated -$165.5M in operating cash flow. With a current ratio of 4.08, the balance sheet reflects a strong liquidity position.
Upcoming Events
Fall 2026 alignment
Neutron first launch
First science formation
Cryo-Dock operation
Rocket Lab Usa has 5 upcoming scheduled events. The next event, "Fall 2026 alignment", is scheduled for September 1, 2026 (in 155 days). Investors can track these dates to stay informed about potential catalysts that may affect the RKLB stock price.
Short Interest History
Short interest in Rocket Lab Usa (RKLB) currently stands at 37.7 million shares, down 1.6% from the previous reporting period, representing 6.7% of the float. Over the past 12 months, short interest has decreased by 40.1%.
Days to Cover History
Days to cover for Rocket Lab Usa (RKLB) currently stands at 1.6 days, up 16.4% from the previous period. This low days-to-cover ratio indicates high liquidity, allowing short sellers to quickly exit positions if needed. The days to cover has decreased 65.8% over the past year, suggesting improved liquidity for short covering. The ratio has shown significant volatility over the period, ranging from 1.3 to 5.0 days.
RKLB Company Profile & Sector Positioning
Rocket Lab Usa (RKLB) operates in the Aerospace & Defense industry within the broader Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts sector and is listed on the NASDAQ.
Investors comparing RKLB often look at related companies in the same sector, including Elbit Sys Ltd (ESLT), Curtiss Wright Corp (CW), Bwx Technologies Inc (BWXT), Textron (TXT), and Woodward Inc (WWD). Comparing financial metrics, valuation ratios, and stock performance across these peers can help investors evaluate RKLB's relative position within its industry.