Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company and launch service provider, specializing in small satellite launches with its Electron rocket, which has launched 63 times as of April 2025. They are also developing the larger Neutron rocket for constellation deployment. Rocket Lab provides complete space solutions including satellite design and manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management, serving commercial, civil, and defense markets, with major partners including NASA and the US Space Force. Key products include the Electron and Neutron rockets, Photon satellite bus, and various satellite components.
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Rocket Lab’s end-to-end strategy of building spacecraft components, the bus, and providing launch mitigates supply chain bottlenecks facing the Golden Dome missile defense architecture.
As of Feb. 28, 2026, Rocket Lab USA, Inc. has consolidated its position as a top-tier defense prime.
Rocket Lab was selected as a lead integrator for the Space Development Agency.
Rocket Lab has $301 million in additional classified and agency task orders supplementing the SDA contract.
Rocket Lab’s HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) vehicle is derived from the Electron rocket.
Rocket Lab uses its private Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand to conduct high-cadence HASTE missions.
Rocket Lab uses its Long Beach, California headquarters for satellite assembly.
Rocket Lab expects the first flight units for the SDA Tranche 2 Transport Layer to be delivered to the Vandenberg Space Force Base integration facility by mid-2027.
As of Feb. 28, 2026, Rocket Lab has $816 million in aggregate active satellite constellation contracts.
The Space Development Agency prime contract for Rocket Lab is valued at $515 million and is supplemented by $301 million in additional classified and agency task orders.
Rocket Lab scheduled its next launch NET March 4th per published hazard areas.
Rocket Lab uses its Long Beach, California headquarters for satellite assembly.
Rocket Lab completed its 11th launch from Virginia with the HASTE "That's Not A Knife" mission.
Rocket Lab is in the Critical Design Review phase for the Space Development Agency Tranche 2 Transport Layer satellites.
Rocket Lab expects to begin initial hardware qualification for the SDA Tranche 2 Transport Layer satellites in late 2026.
Rocket Lab launched Hypersonix’s DART-AE aboard the HASTE vehicle.
Rocket Lab uses its private Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand to conduct high-cadence HASTE missions.
Rocket Lab’s HASTE program contributes to the company’s defense portfolio performance.
The $816 million in active satellite constellation contracts reflects Rocket Lab’s shift from a pure-play launch provider to a vertically integrated space systems company.
Rocket Lab was selected as a lead integrator for the Space Development Agency.