Rocket Lab Collaborates with NASA on In-Space Refueling
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2 days ago
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- In-Space Refueling Demonstration: NASA plans to launch the LOXSAT satellite on July 17, provided by Rocket Lab, for a nine-month mission to demonstrate 11 critical cryogenic fluid management technologies, essential for establishing in-space propellant depots that support long-term exploration missions.
- Rocket Launch Collaboration: Rocket Lab will utilize its Electron rocket to launch LOXSAT and employ a Photon satellite bus to position it in the correct orbit, showcasing Rocket Lab's technical capabilities and potentially paving the way for future commercial opportunities.
- Competitive Pressure on SpaceX: SpaceX aims to conduct its own orbital cryogenic fuel transfer demonstration in June 2026, estimating it will need to launch 12 Starships to refuel its Human Landing System, creating a competitive race that could accelerate advancements in in-space refueling technology for both companies.
- Long-Term Strategic Implications: Successful in-space refueling technology will enable spacecraft to undertake longer missions, particularly within NASA's Artemis program, where Rocket Lab's technology could become a critical support for future space missions, enhancing its market competitiveness.
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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: 135.760
Low
63.00
Averages
86.89
High
120.00
Current: 135.760
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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- NASA's New Initiative: NASA has recently partnered with Rocket Lab for a nine-month LOXSAT mission aimed at demonstrating 11 critical cryogenic fluid management technologies, which will lay the groundwork for future space refueling stations to support long-term exploration.
- Intensifying Market Competition: Rocket Lab will use its Electron rocket to launch LOXSAT, with a tentative launch date set for July 17, highlighting the escalating competition between SpaceX and Rocket Lab in the realm of in-space fuel transfer technology, where the first to succeed could significantly influence their future trajectories.
See More
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See More
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