Rocket Lab (RKLB) Successfully Launches First Electron Rocket of 2026, Deploying Two Spacecraft
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 22 2026
0mins
Should l Buy RKLB?
Source: stocktwits
- Successful Launch: Rocket Lab announced the successful liftoff of its first Electron rocket of 2026 on Thursday, deploying two spacecraft into orbit, which signifies the company's ongoing progress in the aerospace launch sector.
- Engine Cutoff Confirmation: During the launch, Rocket Lab confirmed the second engine cutoff (SECO) and achieved a nominal transfer orbit, laying the groundwork for future space missions.
- Market Reaction: Despite the successful launch, Rocket Lab's shares fell more than 1% in Thursday's pre-market trading, indicating a cautious market sentiment regarding the company's future performance.
- Investor Sentiment: Data from Stocktwits shows that retail investor sentiment around Rocket Lab is in the 'bullish' territory, suggesting an optimistic outlook for the company's future developments.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy RKLB?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
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: 69.970
Low
63.00
Averages
86.89
High
120.00
Current: 69.970
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.
Rocket Lab Stock Volatility and Future Outlook
- Market Confidence: Despite Rocket Lab's stock decline due to a late-stage testing failure of a crucial asset, 80% of bettors on prediction market Polymarket are wagering on a fourth-quarter earnings beat, indicating strong investor confidence in its future.
- Revenue Structure Shift: Rocket Lab's space systems segment now accounts for nearly three-quarters of total revenue, reflecting robust growth in satellite construction products and services, even as launch services remain its foundational business.
- New Rocket Development: The company is developing the more powerful Neutron rocket, designed for mega constellation deployment and deep space missions, although a recent test setback with a fuel tank rupture may delay its inaugural launch.
- Financial Expectations: Analysts project Rocket Lab's fourth-quarter revenue to grow by 34.6% year-over-year to over $178 million, despite an expected net loss of $0.10 per share, suggesting that the market remains optimistic about its growth potential despite challenges.
See More
Rocket Lab's Growth Potential and Risks
- Optimistic Market Outlook: McKinsey forecasts the global space industry will reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, driven by demand for satellites and ground applications, indicating potential opportunities for Rocket Lab in this rapidly growing market.
- Strong Financial Performance: Despite Rocket Lab's third-quarter revenue jumping 48% year-over-year to $155 million, it still faces a high operating loss of $59 million, reflecting that its profitability remains unstable, necessitating caution from investors.
- Potential of Neutron Model: The upcoming reusable rocket Neutron is expected to have a payload capacity of 13,000 kg, which could enhance market competitiveness by lowering the cost per kilogram to orbit, particularly in the satellite constellation market.
- Investor Caution Advised: With Rocket Lab's price-to-sales ratio at 62, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 3.4, any further delays in the Neutron launch could lead to a sharp stock price correction, suggesting that long-term investors should adopt a wait-and-see approach.
See More
Rocket Lab Set to Announce Q4 Earnings Results
- Earnings Announcement: Rocket Lab is set to release its Q4 earnings on February 26 after market close, with Wall Street expecting an EPS of -$0.05 and revenue of $178.18 million, reflecting an impressive 86.4% year-over-year growth, indicating strong revenue momentum.
- Launch Record Surpass: The company anticipates surpassing its previous annual launch record in Q4, showcasing its ongoing growth potential in the space launch market and further solidifying its competitive position.
- Strong Launch Cadence: Rocket Lab has maintained a robust launch cadence at the start of the year, recently completing its second Electron mission in eight days, successfully deploying a Korean Earth-imaging satellite, which enhances its collaboration with the U.S. government.
- Analyst Ratings: Despite RKLB not meeting EPS estimates over the past year, it has achieved revenue estimates 50% of the time, with analysts generally rating the stock as a
See More
Rocket Lab Faces Setback After Test Failure
- Test Failure Impact: Rocket Lab's stock has declined from its highs due to a rupture in the stage 1 fuel tank during late-stage testing, although 80% of bettors on prediction markets expect a bottom-line beat in the upcoming fourth-quarter results, indicating continued investor confidence.
- Revenue Growth Expectations: Despite the setback, analysts forecast a robust 34.6% year-over-year revenue growth for Rocket Lab in Q4, projecting over $178 million, highlighting strong performance in its space systems segment, which has surpassed launch services in sales.
- New Rocket Development: The company is deep into developing the Neutron rocket, designed for mega constellation deployment and deep space missions, but its inaugural launch may be delayed by several months due to the recent testing failure, making this project crucial for future growth.
- Market Reaction Dependent: The market's response to Rocket Lab's Q4 results will hinge more on the revised schedule for the Neutron rocket than on the company's fundamentals; if the inaugural launch delay remains under a year, the stock could rebound, otherwise, it may face further declines.
See More
Market Update: Earnings Reports and Stock Movements
- Nvidia Earnings Preview: Nvidia is set to release its earnings report on Wednesday at 4 PM ET, with shares rising 5.6% over the past three months, currently near $193, just 9% below the October 29 high of $212. The market anticipates a 5% price move post-earnings, indicating cautious optimism among investors regarding its future performance.
- Salesforce Stock Decline: Salesforce's shares have fallen 18% in the past three months, currently 40% off its 52-week high, as concerns about AI threatening software companies weigh on investor sentiment, with shares closing at $185.42 on Tuesday.
- Lowe's Strong Performance: Lowe's is scheduled to report earnings on Wednesday morning, having gained approximately 22% over the past three months and currently just 5% from a recent high two weeks ago, reflecting strong demand in the home improvement market and positive earnings expectations.
- Intensifying Banking Competition: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon noted increasing competition in the banking sector, contributing to a 7% decline in the S&P Financials year-to-date, with JPMorgan down 7.7%, highlighting market concerns about the future of the banking industry.
See More
Global Commercial Space Launch Market to Quadruple by 2034
- Market Growth Potential: The global commercial space launch market is projected to grow from $8.2 billion in 2024 to $31.9 billion by 2034, nearly quadrupling, which reflects the accelerating demand for small satellites and presents significant opportunities for related companies.
- Increased Defense Spending: Congress approved an $839 billion defense budget for fiscal 2026, including $4 billion for missile warning and tracking satellites and $13.4 billion for integrating space and missile defense systems, highlighting the emphasis on space technology for national security.
- Leadership Change: Starfighters Space appointed Tim Franta as CEO, marking the company's transition into its commercialization era; Franta brings over 20 years of experience in space commercialization, which will drive the company's technological and market advancements.
- Technical Milestones: Starfighters Space completed subsonic and supersonic wind tunnel testing for STARLAUNCH 1, validating design maturity, and is expected to conduct a Critical Design Review in the coming weeks, further enhancing its space launch capabilities.
See More
Rocket Lab Stock Volatility and Future Outlook
- Market Confidence: Despite Rocket Lab's stock decline due to a late-stage testing failure of a crucial asset, 80% of bettors on prediction market Polymarket are wagering on a fourth-quarter earnings beat, indicating strong investor confidence in its future.
- Revenue Structure Shift: Rocket Lab's space systems segment now accounts for nearly three-quarters of total revenue, reflecting robust growth in satellite construction products and services, even as launch services remain its foundational business.
- New Rocket Development: The company is developing the more powerful Neutron rocket, designed for mega constellation deployment and deep space missions, although a recent test setback with a fuel tank rupture may delay its inaugural launch.
- Financial Expectations: Analysts project Rocket Lab's fourth-quarter revenue to grow by 34.6% year-over-year to over $178 million, despite an expected net loss of $0.10 per share, suggesting that the market remains optimistic about its growth potential despite challenges.
See More
Rocket Lab's Growth Potential and Risks
- Optimistic Market Outlook: McKinsey forecasts the global space industry will reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, driven by demand for satellites and ground applications, indicating potential opportunities for Rocket Lab in this rapidly growing market.
- Strong Financial Performance: Despite Rocket Lab's third-quarter revenue jumping 48% year-over-year to $155 million, it still faces a high operating loss of $59 million, reflecting that its profitability remains unstable, necessitating caution from investors.
- Potential of Neutron Model: The upcoming reusable rocket Neutron is expected to have a payload capacity of 13,000 kg, which could enhance market competitiveness by lowering the cost per kilogram to orbit, particularly in the satellite constellation market.
- Investor Caution Advised: With Rocket Lab's price-to-sales ratio at 62, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 3.4, any further delays in the Neutron launch could lead to a sharp stock price correction, suggesting that long-term investors should adopt a wait-and-see approach.
See More
Rocket Lab Set to Announce Q4 Earnings Results
- Earnings Announcement: Rocket Lab is set to release its Q4 earnings on February 26 after market close, with Wall Street expecting an EPS of -$0.05 and revenue of $178.18 million, reflecting an impressive 86.4% year-over-year growth, indicating strong revenue momentum.
- Launch Record Surpass: The company anticipates surpassing its previous annual launch record in Q4, showcasing its ongoing growth potential in the space launch market and further solidifying its competitive position.
- Strong Launch Cadence: Rocket Lab has maintained a robust launch cadence at the start of the year, recently completing its second Electron mission in eight days, successfully deploying a Korean Earth-imaging satellite, which enhances its collaboration with the U.S. government.
- Analyst Ratings: Despite RKLB not meeting EPS estimates over the past year, it has achieved revenue estimates 50% of the time, with analysts generally rating the stock as a
See More
Rocket Lab Faces Setback After Test Failure
- Test Failure Impact: Rocket Lab's stock has declined from its highs due to a rupture in the stage 1 fuel tank during late-stage testing, although 80% of bettors on prediction markets expect a bottom-line beat in the upcoming fourth-quarter results, indicating continued investor confidence.
- Revenue Growth Expectations: Despite the setback, analysts forecast a robust 34.6% year-over-year revenue growth for Rocket Lab in Q4, projecting over $178 million, highlighting strong performance in its space systems segment, which has surpassed launch services in sales.
- New Rocket Development: The company is deep into developing the Neutron rocket, designed for mega constellation deployment and deep space missions, but its inaugural launch may be delayed by several months due to the recent testing failure, making this project crucial for future growth.
- Market Reaction Dependent: The market's response to Rocket Lab's Q4 results will hinge more on the revised schedule for the Neutron rocket than on the company's fundamentals; if the inaugural launch delay remains under a year, the stock could rebound, otherwise, it may face further declines.
See More
Market Update: Earnings Reports and Stock Movements
- Nvidia Earnings Preview: Nvidia is set to release its earnings report on Wednesday at 4 PM ET, with shares rising 5.6% over the past three months, currently near $193, just 9% below the October 29 high of $212. The market anticipates a 5% price move post-earnings, indicating cautious optimism among investors regarding its future performance.
- Salesforce Stock Decline: Salesforce's shares have fallen 18% in the past three months, currently 40% off its 52-week high, as concerns about AI threatening software companies weigh on investor sentiment, with shares closing at $185.42 on Tuesday.
- Lowe's Strong Performance: Lowe's is scheduled to report earnings on Wednesday morning, having gained approximately 22% over the past three months and currently just 5% from a recent high two weeks ago, reflecting strong demand in the home improvement market and positive earnings expectations.
- Intensifying Banking Competition: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon noted increasing competition in the banking sector, contributing to a 7% decline in the S&P Financials year-to-date, with JPMorgan down 7.7%, highlighting market concerns about the future of the banking industry.
See More
Global Commercial Space Launch Market to Quadruple by 2034
- Market Growth Potential: The global commercial space launch market is projected to grow from $8.2 billion in 2024 to $31.9 billion by 2034, nearly quadrupling, which reflects the accelerating demand for small satellites and presents significant opportunities for related companies.
- Increased Defense Spending: Congress approved an $839 billion defense budget for fiscal 2026, including $4 billion for missile warning and tracking satellites and $13.4 billion for integrating space and missile defense systems, highlighting the emphasis on space technology for national security.
- Leadership Change: Starfighters Space appointed Tim Franta as CEO, marking the company's transition into its commercialization era; Franta brings over 20 years of experience in space commercialization, which will drive the company's technological and market advancements.
- Technical Milestones: Starfighters Space completed subsonic and supersonic wind tunnel testing for STARLAUNCH 1, validating design maturity, and is expected to conduct a Critical Design Review in the coming weeks, further enhancing its space launch capabilities.
See More
