Pentagon Accelerates Hypersonic Missile Development, Boosting Rocket Lab
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 13 2026
0mins
Source: Fool
- Contract Expansion: Rocket Lab has secured a $190 million contract under the Pentagon's HASTE program to conduct 20 hypersonic test flights over the next four years, significantly enhancing its market position in the defense sector.
- Collaboration with Anduril: Rocket Lab will partner with defense tech unicorn Anduril Industries, which is paying $30 million for three hypersonic launches planned within the next year, further diversifying Rocket Lab's revenue streams and strengthening its technical capabilities.
- Revenue Diversification: HASTE contracts now account for nearly one-third of Rocket Lab's contracted backlog, potentially adding almost 5% to annual revenue, which not only helps diversify income sources but also provides stability to its stock price, especially after a significant rise over the past year.
- New Rocket Development: While Rocket Lab is developing the new medium-lift Neutron rocket with a capacity of 15 tons to low Earth orbit, the substantial revenue from HASTE contracts supports the continued use of the existing Electron rocket, ensuring competitive advantage and technological strength in the market.
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Analyst Views on RKLB
Wall Street analysts forecast RKLB stock price to fall
11 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
4 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 100.290
Low
63.00
Averages
86.89
High
120.00
Current: 100.290
Low
63.00
Averages
86.89
High
120.00
About RKLB
Rocket Lab Corporation is an end-to-end space company. The Company designs and manufactures small and medium-class rockets, spacecraft and spacecraft components, and related software and services to support the space economy. The Company delivers reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft design services, spacecraft components, spacecraft manufacturing, and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it easier to access space. Its Launch Services segment provides launch and launch-related services to customers on a dedicated mission or ride-share basis. Its Space Systems segment comprises the design and manufacture of spacecraft components and spacecraft program management services, space data applications, and mission operations. Its space systems solutions are the building blocks for spacecraft, which include composite structures, reaction wheels, star trackers, solar solutions, radios, separation systems, and command and control spacecraft software.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Valuation Challenges: With a price-to-sales ratio of 100, Rocket Lab is not cheap, although it is slightly more favorable compared to SpaceX's 130 times sales; this reflects the high-risk nature of the investment, necessitating careful consideration by investors.
- Competitive Market Pressure: While Rocket Lab shows strong revenue growth, it faces immense competitive pressure from SpaceX's dominant market position, and future success will heavily depend on the successful launch and market acceptance of the Neutron rocket.
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- International Competition Context: As China's space industry rapidly grows, Firefly's expansion will help U.S. companies compete against foreign rivals, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and space technology.
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- Strategic Importance of Neutron: The Neutron rocket is expected to launch by year-end, capable of carrying heavier payloads at a lower cost than SpaceX's Falcon 9, which could unlock new contract opportunities and enhance Rocket Lab's competitive positioning in the market.
- Valuation Challenges: With a price-to-sales ratio of 100, Rocket Lab is not cheap, although it is slightly more favorable compared to SpaceX's 130 times sales; this reflects the high-risk nature of the investment, necessitating careful consideration by investors.
- Competitive Market Pressure: While Rocket Lab shows strong revenue growth, it faces immense competitive pressure from SpaceX's dominant market position, and future success will heavily depend on the successful launch and market acceptance of the Neutron rocket.
See More
Analysis of SpaceX Stock Price Fluctuations
- First Day Trading Performance: SpaceX opened at $150 per share during its IPO, and despite most investors not being able to purchase at the official IPO price, it closed at $160 on the first day, indicating strong initial market demand.
- Price Fluctuation Overview: Following three days of price increases and subsequent declines, SpaceX's stock began to drop on the fourth day, closing at $155 on Monday, reflecting a 16% decrease from its peak and a reassessment of its market valuation.
- Market Valuation Changes: SpaceX's valuation plummeted from over $2.7 trillion to around $2 trillion within days, yet investors can still buy shares at nearly the opening price, showcasing differing opinions on its future potential.
- Investment Choice Recommendations: Analysts suggest that while considering SpaceX, investors might also look at alternatives like Rocket Lab and Nvidia, which offer more attractive profitability and valuation metrics, providing diversified investment options.
See More
Space Stocks Retreat After SpaceX IPO Surge
- Impact of SpaceX IPO: SpaceX went public on June 12 with an IPO price of $135, opening at $150 and peaking at $225.64, reaching a market cap of $2.66 trillion, which led to a retreat in other space stocks as investors chased SpaceX's gains.
- AST SpaceMobile's Outlook: AST SpaceMobile plans to launch 45 to 60 satellites by the end of 2026, with revenue expected to soar from $71 million to $1.88 billion between 2025 and 2028, indicating significant upside potential despite a valuation of 12 times its 2028 sales.
- Rocket Lab's Expansion Plans: Rocket Lab aims to launch its Neutron rocket and transition into an
See More
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- Market Impact Analysis: SpaceX's IPO on June 12, priced at $135 and opening at $150, peaked at $225.64, reaching a market cap of $2.66 trillion, which caused other space stocks to lose momentum as investors took profits post-IPO.
- AST SpaceMobile Prospects: AST plans to launch 45 to 60 satellites by the end of 2026, with revenue expected to soar from $71 million to $1.88 billion between 2025 and 2028; although its stock trades at 12 times its 2028 sales, it has significant growth potential.
- Rocket Lab Expansion Plans: Rocket Lab has successfully launched 89 Electron rockets and plans to introduce its larger Neutron rocket by year-end, with revenue projected to grow from $602 million in 2025 to $1.63 billion by 2028; despite a 36 times sales multiple in 2028, it has ample room for growth.
- Intuitive Machines' Undervalued Position: Intuitive Machines has successfully sent two Nova-C landers to the moon, with revenue expected to jump from $210 million to $1.39 billion from 2025 to 2028; trading at less than three times its 2028 revenue, it may attract more investor interest as SpaceX's shares pull back.
See More
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- Loan for Expansion: Firefly Aerospace is expected to secure a $110 million loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank, which will fund the expansion of its spacecraft production facilities in Texas, significantly enhancing the company's production capacity and market competitiveness.
- Job Creation: This expansion is projected to create approximately 200 jobs, further driving local economic development while strengthening Firefly's position in the rapidly growing space market.
- International Competition Context: As China's space industry rapidly grows, Firefly's expansion will help U.S. companies compete against foreign rivals, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and space technology.
- EXIM Program Support: The loan is part of the U.S. Export-Import Bank's
See More
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- Stock Price Decline: SpaceX's shares fell significantly post-IPO, closing down 16% at $154.6 on Monday, marking a 24% drop over three days, indicating market concerns regarding its valuation.
- ARK Investment Increase: Despite the stock's decline, Cathie Wood's ARK Invest purchased a total of 210,121 shares of SpaceX across four ETFs on Monday, reflecting ongoing confidence in the company, with total purchases valued at $32.5 million.
- Valuation Concerns: Analysts Mohamed El-Erian and Gary Black raised alarms about SpaceX's valuation, citing a 175x EV/EBITDA multiple and 62x EV/revenue multiple as difficult to justify, suggesting potential future pressures on the stock.
- AI Partnership Agreement: SpaceX signed a $6.3 billion compute deal with Reflection AI, which is expected to provide a new revenue stream, although the company reported a $4.9 billion net loss in 2025, highlighting the complexities of its financial situation.
See More
