Rocket Lab Completes First Launch of 2026, Shares Rise 2.73%
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 23 2026
0mins
Should l Buy RKLB?
Source: Benzinga
- Successful Launch: Rocket Lab completed its 80th Electron mission, successfully deploying two satellites into a 1,050 km circular orbit, reinforcing its market position as a reliable small satellite launch vehicle with a full schedule of launches planned for 2026.
- Stock Volatility: Despite facing challenges with the Neutron rocket's Stage 1 tank rupture during testing, which caused a temporary stock price drop, Rocket Lab confirmed no significant damage occurred, and production of the next Stage 1 tank is already underway, showcasing resilience in its production capabilities.
- Strong Market Performance: Rocket Lab's shares are currently trading 5.8% above the 20-day simple moving average and 46.7% above the 100-day simple moving average, with a 176.78% increase over the past 12 months, positioning the stock closer to its 52-week highs, indicating strong short-term and long-term growth potential.
- Earnings Outlook: Investors are looking forward to the earnings report on February 26, with an estimated EPS loss of 9 cents (an improvement from a loss of 10 cents YoY) and revenue expected at $178.07 million (up from $132.39 million YoY), reflecting ongoing business improvement and rising market demand.
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Analyst Views on RKLB
Wall Street analysts forecast RKLB stock price to rise
11 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
4 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 65.520
Low
63.00
Averages
86.89
High
120.00
Current: 65.520
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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- Market Reaction Potential: Despite the risks, the market has not fully priced in the potential impact of this share sale program, which could lead to short-term stock price volatility, but may provide long-term funding support for growth.
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- Significant Launch Advantages: By utilizing reusable Falcon rockets, SpaceX has drastically reduced the cost of reaching orbit, creating operational efficiencies that not only attract more contract demand but also fund innovation, establishing a virtuous cycle.
- Starlink Revenue Growth: Starlink serves as SpaceX's primary revenue driver, providing high-speed internet access, particularly in underdeveloped regions, through a predictable high-margin subscription model that helps offset R&D and infrastructure costs.
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- Starlink Revenue Growth: Starlink serves as SpaceX's primary cash flow source, providing high-speed internet access, particularly in underdeveloped regions, with a subscription model that generates high-margin revenue to offset R&D and infrastructure costs.
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- Strategic Partnership: Starfighters Space announces a strategic partnership with Blackstar Orbital to advance flight testing of reusable hypersonic systems, marking a critical transition from simulation to real-world flight validation, enhancing its competitive edge in the defense market.
- Expanding Market Opportunities: Starfighters Space operates the only commercial fleet of F-104 aircraft capable of sustained Mach 2+ speeds, positioning itself as a unique provider of flight testing environments, likely attracting more defense contracts and commercial partnerships to solidify its market position.
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- Technological Advancements: The integration of Starfighters' F-104 aircraft with Blackstar's SpaceDrone aims for flight tests at speeds up to Mach 2, which, if successful, will provide the U.S. Space Force with rapid reconstitution and on-orbit flexibility capabilities, aligning with its core strategic needs.
- Market Opportunities: As the defense and commercial space sectors converge, Starfighters Space is well-positioned in a rapidly growing market due to its unique operational capabilities and government relationships, which are expected to attract more investment and secure key contracts.
See More
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- Valuation Risks: SpaceX's current valuation of $1.25 trillion is primarily based on unproven future promises like global internet coverage and Mars colonization, which may face severe scrutiny in public markets, especially as investors shift focus to actual revenue growth and profitability.
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