Rocket Lab's Mars Sample Return Project Officially Terminated
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 01 2026
0mins
Should l Buy RKLB?
Source: Fool
- Mars Sample Return Canceled: The U.S. Congress's appropriation bill cuts budgets for NASA and other science agencies, leading to the termination of the Mars Sample Return (MSR) project, with potential losses estimated at $11 billion, significantly impacting Rocket Lab's future revenue.
- Significant Revenue Loss: MSR was expected to generate $4 billion for Rocket Lab, equivalent to nine times its 2024 sales, and would have covered 74% of the $900 million revenue forecast for 2026, resulting in a major financial blow to the company.
- Optimistic Profit Outlook: Despite losing MSR, Rocket Lab is projected to achieve profitability by 2027, primarily driven by the launch of its new reusable rocket, Neutron, which is expected to steadily boost revenue.
- Investor Sentiment Mixed: The termination of the MSR project has disappointed investors, but it does not provide a direct reason to sell Rocket Lab stock, as the market remains cautiously optimistic about the company's future prospects.
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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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- 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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See More
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