Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab USA

Launch services and spacecraft components provider

Overview

Rocket Lab USA provides end-to-end space services including launch, spacecraft components, and mission support for government, defense, and commercial customers. Its Electron small-lift launcher delivers dedicated missions for small satellites, using carbon composite structures and 3D-printed Rutherford engines for high launch frequency. The Space Systems unit makes spacecraft components and the Photon satellite bus, and the company is developing Neutron for larger constellations and interplanetary missions, as well as HASTE for hypersonic tech tests. By combining in-house launch and hardware with strategic acquisitions, Rocket Lab offers integrated mission solutions to reduce risk and complexity, aiming to make space missions faster, more reliable, and more accessible.

About Rocket Lab USA

Simplify's Rating
Why Rocket Lab USA is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Industrial & Manufacturing

Aerospace

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Q2 2026 revenue hit $234.1 million; backlog reached $2.36 billion.
  • Rocket Lab won Viasat's PTS-G bus work and a $266 million Space Force HASTE contract.
  • Cash and marketable securities reached $2.39 billion on June 30, 2026, funding expansion.

What critics are saying

  • SpaceX pressed the FCC on August 31, 2026, complicating Rocket Lab's Iridium acquisition.
  • Neutron's first flight slipped after January 2026 tank rupture; Q4 2026 remains fragile.
  • One Neutron failure would stall national-security credibility and crush launch-system valuation.

What makes Rocket Lab USA unique

  • Rocket Lab spans launch, spacecraft, and components, unlike single-product smallsat peers.
  • Electron logged its 94th mission on September 3, 2026, proving repeatable cadence.
  • Neutron and HASTE reuse Electron tooling, extending manufacturing leverage across programs.

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Funding

Total Funding

$2.8B

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

10 Rounds

Notable Investors:
Post IPO Equity funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Post IPO Equity Funding Comparison
Coming Soon

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Flexible Spending Account

Company Equity

Wellness Program

Phone/Internet Stipend

Childcare Support

Gym Membership

Employee Discounts

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Flexible Work Hours

Hybrid Work Options

Stock Price

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-2%

1 year growth

-2%

2 year growth

-3%
Yahoo Finance
Sep 3rd, 2026
Berenberg launches space sector coverage with Buy ratings on Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile, Planet Labs, HawkEye 360

Berenberg has launched coverage of the US and European space sector, initiating four companies with Buy ratings. The bank initiated Rocket Lab with a Buy and an $83 price target, calling it "the only end-to-end public pure-play in space." AST SpaceMobile received the highest target at $92. Analyst Michael Filatov said the company is "the only company to have demonstrated true cellular broadband from space to unmodified smartphones." Planet Labs was initiated with a $25 target, whilst HawkEye 360 received a $24 target. Avio was initiated at Hold with a €33 target. Filatov said falling launch costs have driven the space economy past $500 billion in 2025, with the market on track to exceed $1 trillion by 2030.

Yahoo Finance
Sep 1st, 2026
ARK invests $12.8M in Rocket Lab as BofA maintains $110 target despite Electron delay

Rocket Lab shares rose 0.3% overnight Monday after Cathie Wood's ARK Investment Management purchased $12.8 million worth of stock and Bank of America maintained its bullish rating, offsetting concerns about a weather-related launch delay. ARK Invest bought 200,303 shares through its flagship ARK Innovation ETF on Monday. BofA lowered its price target to $110 from $115 but kept its 'Buy' rating, implying 72% upside. The optimism follows Rocket Lab's record second-quarter results. The company reported revenue of $234.07 million, up 62% year-over-year and exceeding Wall Street's $230.94 million estimate. Rocket Lab secured over $437 million in bookings and ended the quarter with a record backlog of $2.36 billion. Strong winds delayed the company's Synspective mission until at least 2 September.

Yahoo Finance
Aug 30th, 2026
Rocket Lab president sells 15,051 shares to cover tax obligations after 54% yearly return

Rocket Lab USA President Dr Marvin Bradford Clevenger sold 15,051 shares worth $1.0 million on 24 August 2026, according to an SEC Form 4 filing. The sale was a non-discretionary transaction to cover tax withholding obligations on vesting restricted stock units. Clevenger retains direct ownership of 458,924 shares valued at $31.34 million, representing a significant long-term equity position in the company. Rocket Lab's shares delivered a 54% one-year return as of the transaction date, closing at $68.28. The Long Beach, California-based aerospace firm provides orbital launch services, spacecraft engineering, and constellation management for government and commercial customers. The company reported trailing twelve-month revenue of $769.1 million against a net loss of $165.5 million, with a market capitalisation of $38.7 billion.

Yahoo Finance
Aug 30th, 2026
Rocket Lab COO sells 35,558 shares for $2.4M under pre-set trading plan

Rocket Lab's Chief Operations Officer Frank Klein sold 35,558 shares for approximately $2.4 million on 27 August 2026, according to an SEC Form 4 filing. The shares were sold at a weighted-average price of $66.61 under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan established on 19 September 2025. Klein retains 925,737 shares, representing roughly 0.16% of the company's outstanding stock, valued at approximately $62.52 million. The transaction occurred as Rocket Lab shares posted a 46% one-year total return. The Long Beach, California-based company provides orbital launch services, spacecraft engineering, and constellation management. Rocket Lab generated $769.1 million in trailing twelve-month revenue whilst reporting a net loss of $165.5 million. The company holds a market capitalisation of $40.4 billion.

Yahoo Finance
Aug 27th, 2026
Rocket Lab CFO sells $674K in shares as stock surges 54% over past year

Rocket Lab CFO Adam C. Spice sold 9,677 shares of common stock on 24 August 2026, valued at approximately $674,000 according to an SEC filing. The transaction was a non-discretionary sell-to-cover event to meet tax withholding requirements from vesting restricted stock units. Following the sale, Spice retains 1,405,967 shares worth approximately $94.1 million, representing a 0.24% ownership stake. This includes 1,155,967 shares held directly and 250,000 shares held indirectly through a trust. The transaction occurred as Rocket Lab's stock showed strong performance, with a 54% one-year total return as of the transaction date. The Long Beach-based aerospace company provides launch services, spacecraft manufacturing, and orbital management services to government and commercial customers.

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