Rocket Lab
RKLBRocket Lab is a leading aerospace company providing end-to-end space solutions including launch services, spacecraft manufacturing, and on-orbit operations.
Quick Facts
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is a leading aerospace company providing end-to-end space solutions including launch services, spacecraft manufacturing, and on-orbit operations. Founded in 2006 by Peter Beck in New Zealand and now headquartered in Long Beach, California, the company has established itself as the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket operator behind SpaceX.
The company trades on NASDAQ under the ticker RKLB following its 2021 SPAC merger. Rocket Lab employs approximately 2,000 people across facilities in California, Virginia, New Zealand, and Colorado. Under founder and CEO Peter Beck, the company has evolved from a small satellite launch provider into a comprehensive space systems company.
History and Milestones
Peter Beck founded Rocket Lab in New Zealand in 2006 with the goal of making space more accessible through small, affordable rockets. The company developed the Electron rocket, achieving first orbital flight in January 2018. Rocket Lab became the first private company to reach orbit from the Southern Hemisphere.
The company pioneered electric-pump-fed rocket engines with the Rutherford engine, using 3D-printed components and electric motors instead of traditional turbopumps. This innovation reduced engine complexity and cost while maintaining performance. Electron has since completed over 50 launches with a strong success rate.
In 2020, Rocket Lab successfully recovered an Electron first stage for the first time using parachute and helicopter capture, demonstrating a path to reusability. The company expanded into spacecraft manufacturing through the acquisition of Sinclair Interplanetary, Advanced Solutions Inc., and Planetary Systems Corporation, becoming a vertically integrated space company.
Products and Services
Electron is Rocket Lab's workhorse small satellite launcher, capable of delivering 300 kg to low Earth orbit from launch sites in New Zealand and Virginia. The rocket uses nine Rutherford engines on its first stage and a single vacuum-optimized Rutherford on the second stage. Electron launches are priced at approximately $7.5 million.
Neutron is Rocket Lab's medium-lift reusable rocket currently in development, designed to carry 13,000 kg to low Earth orbit. The rocket features an innovative wide-body design with a reusable first stage landing on the launch pad rather than at sea. Neutron targets constellation deployment, cargo resupply, and potentially crewed missions.
Rocket Lab's Space Systems division manufactures Photon spacecraft, providing satellite buses for customers who want turnkey solutions. Photon supports missions from low Earth orbit to interplanetary trajectories, including NASA's CAPSTONE lunar mission. The company also supplies spacecraft components to other manufacturers.
Technology and Capabilities
The Rutherford engine represents a significant advancement in small rocket propulsion, using electric pumps powered by lithium polymer batteries instead of gas generators or turbopumps. This approach simplifies the engine, enables high-performance 3D printing of major components, and provides precise throttle control for landing attempts.
Rocket Lab operates the only private orbital launch complex in the Southern Hemisphere at Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand, providing unique launch geometry for polar and sun-synchronous orbits. The company's second launch complex at Wallops Island, Virginia, serves U.S. government and commercial customers requiring domestic launch.
The Photon spacecraft bus provides integrated power, propulsion, attitude control, and communications for customer payloads, significantly reducing time to orbit for small satellite missions. Rocket Lab's spacecraft manufacturing capabilities include solar panels, reaction wheels, star trackers, and software, enabling rapid satellite production.
Business and Financial Overview
Rocket Lab trades publicly on NASDAQ (RKLB) with a market capitalization that has varied between $2-6 billion since its 2021 debut. The company generates revenue from launch services, spacecraft manufacturing, and component sales, with launch and space systems representing roughly equal revenue contributions.
The company holds multiple NASA contracts including the Electron Launch Services Contract, spacecraft development for the Mars Sample Return mission, and various technology development awards. Rocket Lab also serves commercial constellation operators, defense customers, and civil space agencies worldwide.
Rocket Lab has raised substantial capital through its public listing and subsequent offerings, investing in Neutron development, manufacturing expansion, and strategic acquisitions. The company targets profitability as launch cadence increases and Neutron becomes operational.
Recent Developments
In 2024, Rocket Lab achieved record launch cadence with multiple Electron missions per month, demonstrating manufacturing scalability. The company continued Neutron development, revealing detailed vehicle specifications and beginning construction of dedicated production facilities in Virginia.
Rocket Lab successfully recovered additional Electron boosters via mid-air helicopter capture, advancing toward operational reuse. The company's Space Systems division delivered multiple spacecraft for commercial and government customers, growing its backlog of satellite manufacturing orders.
The company expanded its component manufacturing business, supplying reaction wheels, solar panels, and other subsystems to external satellite manufacturers. Rocket Lab also advanced its deep space capabilities, supporting NASA's Mars exploration programs and commercial lunar mission customers.
Market Position
Rocket Lab leads the small satellite launch market, competing primarily with SpaceX rideshare services and emerging small launch providers. The company's reliable track record and dedicated launch service commands premium pricing compared to rideshare alternatives, serving customers requiring specific orbits or timing.
Key competitors include SpaceX for all launch segments, Virgin Orbit (now defunct), Relativity Space, and international providers. In spacecraft manufacturing, Rocket Lab competes with Terran Orbital, AAC Clyde Space, and traditional satellite primes for small to medium satellite programs.
Rocket Lab's competitive advantages include proven launch reliability, rapid cadence capability, vertical integration, and a clear path to medium-lift with Neutron. The company's expansion from launch to full space systems differentiates it from pure-play launch providers.
Peter Beck (Founder, CEO)
Categories & Capabilities
Industry Categories
Vehicle Types
Propulsion Systems
Stock Performance
RKLB · Daily close data
Funding
Links
Location
Loading map...
Suggest an Edit
Is this information outdated or incorrect? Help us improve this profile.
Submit CorrectionExplore More
Discover 1,000+ space companies worldwide
Similar Companies
Other companies in launch-services
ABL Space Systems
ABL Space Systems, now rebranded as Long Wall following a strategic pivot in late 2024, was an American launch vehicle d...
Abyom SpaceTech
Abyom SpaceTech is an Indian startup based in Hyderabad focused on developing advanced launch vehicle technology. The co...
Aevum Inc
Aevum Inc. developed the Ravn X, the world's largest unmanned aircraft system designed for autonomous satellite launches...
Agnikul Cosmos
Agnikul Cosmos is an Indian private space company developing the Agnibaan rocket using innovative 3D-printed semi-cryoge...
Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus Defence and Space is the space division of Airbus, one of the world's largest aerospace companies. The company ma...
Alcântara Launch Center
Centro de Lançamento de Alcântara (CLA) is Brazil's primary space launch facility located near the equator in Maranhão s...
Also in United States
Other space companies based in United States
Related Articles
Industry analysis mentioning Rocket Lab
The Complete Guide to Space Launch Providers in 2025
Read article →
Launch Service Providers: A Comprehensive Comparison
Read article →
Small Satellite Revolution: CubeSats and Beyond
Read article →
Investing in Space: Public Companies, ETFs, and Market Analysis
Read article →
The Complete Guide to the NewSpace Economy in 2025
Read article →
Data Accuracy Notice: Information about Rocket Lab is compiled from publicly available sources including company websites, press releases, regulatory filings, and industry reports. Data is reviewed periodically but may not reflect the most recent developments.