The deal marks Rocket Lab’s largest contract to date, covering 12 suborbital missions with options for six more.
Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) announced a $266 million contract with the U.S. Space Force for 12 suborbital missions, with options for six additional launches. The agreement, part of the Rocket Systems Launch Program, will primarily operate from a new site in Kodiak, Alaska.
The company reported $602 million in revenue for 2025 and holds a backlog exceeding $2 billion as of Q1 2026. Rocket Lab’s stock has declined over 50% from its peak of $151 per share in late May, reflecting broader volatility in space-related equities.
The contract reinforces Rocket Lab’s government ties and positions it as a competitor to SpaceX, particularly with its upcoming reusable Neutron rocket. Analysts remain optimistic about the company’s growth potential despite execution risks in high-stakes engineering projects.