Rocket Lab to launch NASA’s Aspera mission in 2026

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (NASDAQ:RKLB), a provider of launch services and space systems, has been chosen by NASA for the launch of its Aspera mission, which aims to study galaxy formation and cosmic evolution. The mission will be launched on Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket from their Launch Complex 1, with a targeted launch date no earlier than the first quarter of 2026. The company, currently valued at $11.1 billion, has demonstrated impressive revenue growth of 65% over the last twelve months, according to InvestingPro data.

The Aspera mission is an astrophysics science initiative that will utilize a telescope to observe ultraviolet light from the intergalactic medium – the hot gas between galaxies. This research is expected to offer insights into the creation of stars and planets, marking the first NASA astrophysics mission to map these ultraviolet signatures.

Rocket Lab has a history of supporting NASA science missions, including the CAPSTONE mission to the Moon and the TROPICS mission for hurricane monitoring, among others. The company’s Electron rocket has been a frequent choice for NASA’s small satellite missions since 2018.

Sir Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, expressed pride in the company’s continued partnership with NASA, highlighting Electron’s reputation for reliable and precise orbital deployment. He anticipates delivering the same high level of service for the Aspera mission.

The Aspera mission is part of NASA’s Pioneers Program within the Astrophysics Division, which focuses on conducting significant astrophysics research at a reduced cost. NASA awarded the mission to Rocket Lab through the VADR program, which contracts commercial launchers for NASA payloads.

Rocket Lab, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Long Beach, California, has been recognized for its mission success, offering a range of space-related services. The company has launched over 200 payloads and has been involved in NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as a planned commercial mission to Venus.

This news is based on a press release statement and contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and could differ materially from actual results. The information provided reflects management’s views as of the date of the press release. Rocket Lab disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the future.

In other recent news, Rocket Lab USA, Inc. reported its first-quarter 2025 financial results, showing a revenue of $122.6 million, which exceeded expectations and marked a 32.1% year-over-year increase. Despite the strong revenue, the company posted an earnings per share (EPS) loss of $0.12, missing the forecasted loss of $0.10. Analysts from Stifel and Cantor Fitzgerald have expressed optimism, with both firms raising their price targets for Rocket Lab to $29 while maintaining a positive outlook. Stifel noted Rocket Lab’s strong quarterly performance, particularly in revenue growth and a smaller-than-expected adjusted EBITDA loss. Cantor Fitzgerald highlighted the company’s progress with its Neutron rocket, which is on track for its first launch in the second half of 2025. Additionally, Rocket Lab has been selected to participate in the U.S. Space Force’s National Security Space Launch program, a significant opportunity under a $5.6 billion contract. The company is also preparing for the acquisition of Mynaric, which specializes in laser communication technologies, to expand its service offerings. Rocket Lab’s recent successful Earth return missions have further solidified its position in the space industry, with the company continuing to work on its next spacecraft in the Varda series.

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