Rocket Lab stock jumps after $266 million Space Force missile defense contract
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Rocket Lab shares surged 4.1% in premarket trading Monday after the company announced a $266 million launch services contract with the U.S. Space Force for missile defense. The contract award comes as the company expands its footprint in the national security sector. The broader market also rose, with S&P 500 and Dow futures up about 1%.
The Space Force Contract
Rocket Lab was awarded a $266 million fixed-price contract by the U.S. Space Force for launch services in support of missile defense programs. The deal covers multiple launches using the company's Electron rocket, with the first mission expected no earlier than 2027. Rocket Lab, often compared to industry giant SpaceX, has been steadily securing national security contracts alongside its commercial satellite deployments. The contract is part of the Space Force's broader effort to diversify its launch provider base beyond traditional heavyweights United Launch Alliance and SpaceX.
Market Reaction
Rocket Lab shares jumped 4.1% to $66.53 in premarket trading on the Nasdaq following the announcement. The move outpaced the broader market, where S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures each rose about 1%. The stock has gained over 60% year-to-date as the company has expanded its launch cadence and backlog. The contract award reinforces investor confidence in Rocket Lab's ability to compete for high-value defense work.
What's Next
Rocket Lab is expected to begin launches under the contract in 2027, with further details likely in its quarterly filings. It remains unclear how the award will impact the company's competition with larger rivals such as SpaceX and United Launch Alliance.
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Rocket Lab stock jumps after $266 million Space Force missile defense contract
