Rocket Lab

California-based space company Rocket Lab focuses on launch services, spacecraft design, and manufacturing. Its Electron rocket, a reusable small orbital launch vehicle, was the second-most frequently launched US rocket and the fourth globally in 2021. Electron's Rutherford engine is the first 3D-printed, electric-pump-fed rocket engine. The rocket is used for national security, scientific research, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab is working toward making Electron the first reusable small orbital rocket, having tested pre-flown engines in 2023.

In January 2023, Rocket Lab conducted its first Electron launch from US soil, deploying satellites for HawkEye 360. In April 2024, the company launched a South Korean Earth observation satellite and NASA's ACS3 solar sail system. Rocket Lab also manufactures the Photon satellite platform, which supports NASA's lunar and Martian missions.

The Neutron rocket, whic was under development as of December 2024 for mega constellations and deep space missions, undergoes engine testing at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. Rocket Lab has three launch pads: two in New Zealand and one in Virginia. In 2022, the company acquired SolAero Holdings and Planetary Systems and formed its subsidiary, Rocket Lab National Security LLC. In April 2023, Rocket Lab introduced the HASTE rocket for hypersonic testing, and, in September 2024, the company launched five satellites for Kinéis on Electron, as part of a series of five launches secured by Kinéis in 2021. Later, in November 2024, Rocket Lab completed two launches from two hemispheres within 24 hours. 

Key customers and partnerships

Rocket Lab serves a diverse customer base, including the US Department of Defense, NASA, DARPA, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and various commercial operators such as Blacksky Holdings, Canon, Kinéis, Capella Space, Planet, OHB Group, and Synspective. The company also secured a contract for an orbital debris removal demonstration mission with Astroscale in February 2024.

Rocket Lab has been involved in key government partnerships. In October 2022, the company was selected by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) to supply solar panels for NASA’s mobile robots under the CADRE program. The following month, NASA again chose Rocket Lab to launch TROPICS satellites, tasked with observing precipitation structure and storm intensity. In October 2024, the company received a Mars Sample Return mission contract from NASA, which aimed to deliver a simplified mission concept before 2040.

Rocket Lab has built strong commercial relationships. In February 2023, it secured a multi-launch agreement with Capella Space to deploy Earth-imaging satellites. In June 2023, Rocket Lab signed a contract with Spire Global to launch space situational awareness satellites for NorthStar Earth & Space. In November 2024, it entered a multi-launch deal with an undisclosed satellite operator for the Neutron rocket.

As of December 2024, Rocket Lab was continuing to expand its operational infrastructure. In August 2024, it partnered with Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) to establish a new global ground station, focused on enhancing communications for Electron and Neutron missions.