Rocket Lab (RKLB) Stock: SpaceX Valuation Sparks Rally as Neutron Testing Advances

TLDR

• Rocket Lab (RKLB) stock climbed 5% Monday as SpaceX’s $800 billion valuation sparked interest across the satellite sector
• The company’s Neutron rocket fairing passed qualification tests and is moving to Virginia for a 2026 launch
• RKLB has doubled in value this year, with the stock hitting $51.55 and market cap reaching $27.5 billion
• Analysts see potential for 60% more upside, with price targets reaching $83 as Neutron prepares to compete with SpaceX’s Falcon 9
• Record Q3 revenue of $155 million beat estimates while Rocket Lab achieved 18 Electron launches in 2025

Rocket Lab shares jumped more than 5% Monday as commercial space companies benefited from renewed investor interest. The catalyst came from reports that SpaceX is pursuing an $800 billion valuation through a secondary share sale.

Rocket Lab USA, Inc., RKLB

The move lifted the entire sector. Satellite company EchoStar gained over 7% on the same day. Rocket Lab’s stock has been on a tear, gaining 21.5% over the past week alone.

The SpaceX news creates both opportunities and challenges for Rocket Lab. Analyst William Blair suggested the valuation could indicate that satellite spectrum rights are worth more than markets previously thought. This mark-to-market moment may benefit the entire industry.

The increased capital flowing into space ventures could open doors for Rocket Lab. The company may see new partnership opportunities and contracts in specialized satellite deployments. But SpaceX’s growing resources could also mean tougher competition in launch services and pricing.

Neutron Fairing Ready for Launch

Rocket Lab announced its Neutron rocket fairing completed qualification testing Monday. The “Hungry Hippo” captive fairing is heading to Virginia for integration and launch preparations.

The fairing system sets Neutron apart from traditional rockets. Instead of dropping away during flight, the fairing halves stay attached to the first stage. They open to release the payload, then close again for landing. This design makes the entire first stage reusable.

Testing pushed the fairing to its limits. Engineers subjected it to 275,000 pounds of force to simulate maximum flight pressure. The system also proved it could open and close in just 1.5 seconds under realistic conditions.

Neutron can carry up to 13,000 kg to orbit. The rocket uses carbon composite construction, making it the largest launch vehicle of its type. Development started in late 2021, putting it on pace to be one of the fastest commercially developed rockets ever.

What Analysts Are Saying

The fairing will be integrated at Launch Complex 3 in Virginia. Pre-launch testing includes static fires and a Wet Dress Rehearsal. The first launch remains on schedule for 2026.

RKLB shares have doubled this year, trading at $51.55 with a $27.5 billion market cap. Wall Street remains bullish on the stock.

Baird analyst Peter Arment leads the bulls with an $83 price target. That implies 60% upside from current levels. Arment believes Neutron will compete directly with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 in the lucrative medium-lift market.

The consensus rating is Moderate Buy. Nine analysts recommend buying while four suggest holding. The average price target sits at $65.17, representing 26.4% potential upside.

Rocket Lab posted record Q3 revenue of $155 million, beating estimates and company guidance. The company completed 18 Electron launches this year, setting a new annual record. Vice President Shaun D’Mello said Neutron will deliver the pace and price point needed to drive industry innovation and competition.

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