Rocket Lab Stock Jumps After Securing Largest Launch Contract With Pentagon

Rocket Lab (RKLB) shares climbed approximately 5% Monday morning after the company secured a U.S. Space Force contract to launch at least 12 satellites. The deal marks the largest launch contract the Pentagon has awarded to Rocket Lab.

The Space Force agreement expands Rocket Lab's role in national security missions and provides multi-launch revenue visibility. The company's Electron rocket has completed dozens of orbital missions since 2018, and Rocket Lab is developing the larger Neutron vehicle to compete for heavier defense and commercial payloads.

The 12-satellite minimum gives Rocket Lab a firm launch manifest backlog with the Department of Defense, a customer segment that typically offers higher margins than commercial work. The contract comes as the Space Force diversifies its launch providers beyond incumbents, opening opportunities for smaller orbital vehicles capable of dedicated rideshare missions.