Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) shares gained 5% on Monday after the aerospace company announced it had been awarded a $266 million launch agreement by the U.S. Space Force, the largest launch contract in the company’s history.
The deal calls for Rocket Lab to carry out 12 suborbital launches, with the potential for up to six additional missions under the agreement. The first launch is currently scheduled to take place no earlier than the end of 2026.
Contract expands Rocket Lab’s role in national security missions
The award was issued through the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command’s Rocket Systems Launch Program and further strengthens Rocket Lab’s position as a launch provider for U.S. defense and national security operations.
Most of the missions will be conducted from the company’s new launch facility at the Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska in Kodiak, Alaska.
The site will complement Rocket Lab’s existing launch infrastructure, which includes Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand and Launch Complex 2 and Launch Complex 3 in Virginia.
CEO highlights launch capabilities
“Cadence, iteration, and relentless execution are essential to maturing America’s missile defense capabilities, and that’s exactly what we bring with launch leadership,” said Sir Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab. “The size and scale of this contract reflects the Space Force’s confidence in our ability to meet their urgent national security demands with speed, responsiveness, and scale, and we’re proud to provide the high-frequency launch capacity required to keep the U.S. ahead of global threats.”
Largest launch award to date
The agreement represents a significant milestone for Rocket Lab as it continues to expand its presence in the government launch market and support critical U.S. defense programs.
The record contract also reinforces the company’s growing reputation as a reliable launch partner capable of delivering frequent and responsive access to space for national security missions.
Rocket Lab stock price
