More news – Recent news
Rocket Lab recently made headlines with the announcement of significant third-quarter results, which led to a surge in its shares in after-hours trading. The space infrastructure company reported a notable increase in revenue, reaching $104.8 million, a 55% increase from $67.6 million in the same period last year. This figure exceeded Wall Street expectations, which expected revenue of approximately $102 million.
Despite the impressive revenue growth, Rocket Lab reported a widening net loss, which grew to $51.9 million from $40.6 million a year earlier. However, the company’s loss was 10 cents per share, slightly better than analysts’ forecasts of a loss of 11 cents per share.
Looking ahead, Rocket Lab expects fourth-quarter revenue in the range of $125 million to $135 million, which, if realized, would bring total revenue for the year to approximately $430 million.
In a particularly exciting development, Rocket Lab has announced its first customer for the upcoming Neutron rocket, signing a contract with a “confidential operator of commercial satellite constellations” for two launches scheduled for mid-2026. Pricing for these missions is in in line with Rocket Lab’s goal of approximately $50 million per Neutron launch.
Following the announcement, Rocket Lab shares rose as much as 25% in after-hours trading, rising from a close of $14.66 per share. The stock has shown impressive growth over the past three months, nearly tripling its value during that period.
A significant portion of Rocket Lab’s revenue growth in the third quarter was driven by its Space Systems division, which focuses on building spacecraft and supplying satellite components. This segment generated revenue of $83.9 million, a substantial increase from $46.3 million in the prior year. Meanwhile, the launch segment contributed $21 million, in line with the previous year’s performance.
Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket, priced at about $8.5 million per launch, has established itself as the third most frequently launched orbital rocket globally. The company delivered a record 12 missions this year and added an impressive $55 million in new launch contracts to Electron’s backlog during the third quarter.
The development of the Neutron rocket, along with its Archimedes engines, remains a focal point for Rocket Lab and its investors. The company’s substantial investments in research and development account for a large portion of its quarterly losses. Neutron is considered essential for Rocket Lab to expand its market reach, particularly as it relates to U.S. national security launches.
Rocket Lab continues to expect Neutron’s first flight to take place in mid-2025. The company has outlined several milestones leading up to the launch, including assembly and testing of the flight hardware, multiple firings of the Archimedes engines and ongoing work on the launch pad infrastructure located in Virginia.
As Rocket Lab moves forward, its focus on innovative space solutions and strategic partnerships positions it well within the rapidly evolving aerospace industry. Investors and industry observers alike will be closely watching the company’s progress as it aims to solidify its role in the competitive space launch market.
News of interest – Featured Contributors
