Rocket Lab sets date for 61st Electron launch

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (NASDAQ: RKLB), a provider of launch services and space systems, has scheduled its 61st Electron rocket launch for March 10th, UTC. With a market capitalization of $8.47 billion and impressive revenue growth of 78% over the last twelve months, Rocket Lab has emerged as a significant player in the space industry. The mission, named "The Lightning God Reigns," will carry a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging satellite for the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS), a Japanese customer. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company maintains strong liquidity with a current ratio of 2.04, indicating solid financial flexibility for its operations.

The upcoming launch is set to take place from Rocket Lab’s private orbital launch site, Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, in New Zealand. The satellite, dubbed QPS-SAR-9 or SUSANOO-I, will join iQPS’s constellation that offers high-resolution Earth monitoring capabilities, providing updates from specific locations every 10 minutes. Trading at $18.66, the stock has shown remarkable performance, gaining over 350% in the past year despite recent market volatility.

"The Lightning God Reigns" marks the first of eight planned launches for iQPS through 2025 and 2026, aimed at expanding its Earth-imaging satellite constellation. This follows a successful mission for iQPS that Rocket Lab conducted in December 2023. Each mission will include a Rocket Lab Motorized Lightband, which is instrumental in separating and deploying the satellite once in orbit.

This launch will be Rocket Lab’s third mission in 2025, contributing to the company’s growing track record with the Electron vehicle, which has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually. Upon completion, Rocket Lab will have delivered a total of 211 satellites to space.

Rocket Lab, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Long Beach, California, has established itself as a significant player in the space industry. It provides a range of services, including satellite manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management solutions. The company is also developing the larger Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment. Rocket Lab’s Electron vehicle has been operational since its first orbital launch in January 2018 and has supported missions for national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, and more.

The company’s forward-looking statements indicate ongoing operations and strategies for launch schedules, safe access to space, and business expansion. Analysts project 34% revenue growth for the upcoming year, though the company is not expected to be profitable in the immediate term. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. For deeper insights into Rocket Lab’s financial health and growth prospects, including 14 additional ProTips and comprehensive valuation metrics, visit InvestingPro.

This article is based on a press release statement from Rocket Lab USA, Inc.

In other recent news, Rocket Lab USA reported a 121% year-over-year increase in revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024, reaching $132.4 million, surpassing analysts’ expectations of $129.61 million. However, the company missed its earnings per share forecast, reporting -$0.10 against the expected -$0.09. Rocket Lab’s total backlog stood at $1.07 billion, reflecting strong future demand. Stifel analysts revised their price target for Rocket Lab shares, lowering it from $31 to $27, while maintaining a Buy rating, highlighting the company’s revenue performance and potential growth in the coming quarters. KeyBanc Capital Markets also adjusted their price target to $28 from $32, keeping an Overweight rating, citing favorable long-term prospects despite a revised sales forecast. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed a $24 price target, maintaining an Overweight rating, as Rocket Lab progresses with its Neutron rocket development. Additionally, Rocket Lab played a crucial role in Firefly Aerospace’s successful Moon landing, contributing software and hardware solutions to the mission. These developments illustrate Rocket Lab’s ongoing efforts in expanding its capabilities and supporting significant aerospace projects.

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