Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) is among 11 Best Performing Defense Stocks to Buy Now. On August 28, the company announced the opening of Launch Complex 3, a dedicated facility for the test, launch, and landing of the Neutron rocket.
The opening marks a significant step forward in delivering a reliable, responsive, and alternative launch capability from American soil. The facility is located within the Virginia Spaceport Authority’s (VSA) Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) in Wallops Island, Virginia.
Launch Complex 3 will deliver the largest orbital launch capacity in the history of the Spaceport with Neutron, which is Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB)’s reusable launch vehicle, having a capacity of launching 13,000 kg to space for national security missions, commercial constellations, and eventually human spaceflight.
Sir Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB), stated the following on Launch Complex 3’s opening:
“Launch Complex 3 is our commitment to providing assured access to space and the launch site diversity that’s needed in the United States for its most important missions. Our Neutron rocket, with its ability for responsive space access as a high cadence reusable launch vehicle, expands Virginia’s aerospace capabilities to enable the United States to quickly and reliably reach the International Space Station and low Earth orbit, as well as explore beyond Earth and on to the Moon and Mars. Together with the Commonwealth of Virginia, VSA, and NASA, we’re strengthening the nation’s leadership in space while creating new opportunities for innovation and growth in the state and beyond, and I’m thankful for their continued support of Rocket Lab in Virginia.”
Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of delivering mission success. The stock has had impressive returns in 2025, gaining over 91% year-to-date, as of the close of business on August 28.
While we acknowledge the potential of RKLB as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
READ NEXT: 13 Best S&P 500 Stocks to Buy According to Wall Street Analysts and 12 Best Australian Stocks to Buy Right Now
Disclosure: None.