Rocket Lab USA (RKLB) Stock Jumps 5% as SpaceX $800 Billion Valuation Fuels Sector Excitement

TLDR

• Rocket Lab (RKLB) stock jumped over 5% on Monday, driven by excitement in the satellite sector after SpaceX’s reported $800 billion valuation target
• The company’s Neutron rocket fairing completed qualification testing and is heading to Virginia for the first launch scheduled in 2026
• RKLB shares have surged more than 100% year-to-date, with analysts setting price targets as high as $83
• The innovative “Hungry Hippo” fairing remains attached during launch and returns with the first stage, making the entire vehicle reusable
• Rocket Lab reported record quarterly revenue of $155 million in Q3 2025, beating estimates and setting a new annual launch record with 18 Electron missions

Rocket Lab USA shares climbed over 5% on Monday as the commercial space sector gained attention from SpaceX’s reported $800 billion valuation through a secondary share sale. The space launch company’s stock movement came alongside a 7% gain for satellite telecommunications firm EchoStar.

Rocket Lab USA, Inc., RKLB

The renewed interest in satellite and space ventures could benefit Rocket Lab in multiple ways. Analyst William Blair noted that SpaceX’s valuation serves as a mark-to-market moment for the entire sector. This suggests satellite spectrum rights may be worth more than markets previously assumed.

The surge in capital flowing into space-related ventures may open new opportunities for Rocket Lab. These include potential partnerships and contracts in niche launch services or specialized satellite deployments. However, SpaceX’s growing scale could also intensify competition in satellite launches and rideshare services.

Neutron Rocket Reaches Key Milestone

Rocket Lab announced Monday that its Neutron rocket fairing completed qualification testing. The “Hungry Hippo” captive fairing is now en route to Virginia for the rocket’s first launch.

The fairing underwent rigorous testing, including 275,000 pounds of force to simulate maximum aerodynamic pressure. Engineers also tested the fairing’s ability to open and close in 1.5 seconds under flight-like conditions.

Neutron’s design differs from conventional rockets. The fairing halves remain attached to the first stage throughout the launch. They open to release the second stage and payload before closing again, allowing the entire first stage to return to Earth as a single reusable vehicle.

Launch Timeline and Analyst Outlook

The Neutron rocket can carry up to 13,000 kg to orbit. It’s designed as the world’s largest carbon composite launch vehicle. Development began in late 2021, and the company says it’s on track to become one of the fastest commercially developed rockets in history.

Upon arrival in Virginia, the fairing will be integrated with Neutron’s first stage at Launch Complex 3. Pre-launch testing will include static fires and a Wet Dress Rehearsal.

The first launch remains scheduled for 2026. Vice President Shaun D’Mello stated the rocket will bring needed innovation and competition to the industry at an unprecedented pace and price point.

RKLB shares have surged more than 100% this year. The stock now trades at $51.55 with a market cap of $27.5 billion. Shares gained 21.5% in the past week alone.

Baird analyst Peter Arment holds the highest price target of $83, implying an upside of over 60%. Arment believes Neutron will position Rocket Lab as a direct competitor to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 in the medium-lift market.

The consensus rating stands at Moderate Buy with nine Buy ratings and four Hold ratings. The average analyst price target sits at $65.17, suggesting a 26.4% upside.

Rocket Lab reported record quarterly revenue of approximately $155 million for Q3 2025. This beat consensus estimates and company guidance. The company achieved its 18th successful Electron launch this year, setting a new annual record.

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