U.S. Air Force Taps Rocket Lab to Sell It 12 Hypersonic Missiles for $266 Million. Here's What Investors Need to Know.

Rocket Lab has been awarded a $266 million contract by the Space Force to conduct 12 to 18 hypersonic missile test launches under the Rocket Systems Launch Program. This contract, combined with previous missile defense satellite contracts totaling over $1 billion, signals Rocket Lab's transition from a commercial space launch company to a defense contractor focused on developing hypersonic missile defense capabilities against Russian and Chinese threats.

08/02/2026, 5:05 AM • The Motley Fool

AI Stocks vs. Space Stocks: Which Is the Better Long-Term Investment?

The article compares AI stocks and space stocks as long-term investments. Palantir Technologies is highlighted as a company monetizing current AI demand with proven cash flow, while Rocket Lab represents the space sector's potential for enormous future growth. The comparison examines whether established profitability or moonshot upside offers stronger long-term investment opportunities.

08/01/2026, 10:30 AM • The Motley Fool

$10,000 Invested in Rocket Lab 3 Years Ago Is Worth This Much Today, Even After a 61% Drawdown.

A $10,000 investment in Rocket Lab three years ago would be worth approximately $81,000 today, despite a 61% drawdown from its peak of $151. The company has demonstrated strong operational growth with revenue increasing from $245M (2023) to $602M (2025), a record backlog of $2.2B, and a major $266M Space Force contract. However, the pending $8B acquisition of Iridium Communications raises concerns about financing costs and dilution, with the company still unprofitable and trading at over 50x trailing revenue.

08/01/2026, 6:17 AM • The Motley Fool

Prediction: Rocket Lab Will Turn Profitable and Free-Cash-Flow-Positive in 2027 -- Thanks to Iridium

Rocket Lab announced an $8 billion acquisition of satellite company Iridium, with an expected mid-2027 closing. The combined company is projected to become profitable and free-cash-flow-positive by 2027, with analysts forecasting $137 million in earnings and $425 million in positive free cash flow. The acquisition positions Rocket Lab as a vertically integrated space company offering satellite communications, positioning/navigation/timing, and IoT services—markets where SpaceX has limited presence.

08/01/2026, 6:06 AM • The Motley Fool

AST SpaceMobile vs. Rocket Lab: Which Space-Based Network Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

The article compares two space-focused companies: AST SpaceMobile, which is building a space-based cellular network for standard smartphones, and Rocket Lab, a vertically integrated launch services provider acquiring Iridium Communications. Both are unprofitable and burning cash, but Rocket Lab is recommended as the better buy in 2026 due to its lower valuation (52.9x P/S vs. 188x), stronger balance sheet, and the strategic Iridium acquisition that could position it as a serious SpaceX competitor.

07/31/2026, 4:28 PM • The Motley Fool

3 Ways to Get Space Economy Exposure Without Buying SpaceX Stock

The article examines three space economy ETFs as alternatives to direct SpaceX investment. While McKinsey predicts the global space economy will grow from $630 billion in 2023 to $1.79 trillion by 2035, all three featured ETFs have underperformed broad market indexes like the S&P 500, with high 0.75% expense ratios cited as a concern. The author recommends low-cost broad market index funds over these space-focused ETFs.

07/31/2026, 8:30 AM • The Motley Fool

Should You Buy Rocket Lab Stock After It Just Won Its Largest Launch Contract in History?

Rocket Lab announced a $266 million contract with the U.S. Space Force for 12 suborbital missions with options for six more. Despite the stock falling over 50% from its May peak of $151, the company has $2 billion in backlog and is nearing launch of its reusable Neutron rocket. The analyst views this as a positive catalyst for the space company and recommends it for patient, risk-tolerant investors.

07/30/2026, 8:05 AM • The Motley Fool

Rocket Lab Has Fallen 58% From Its High While Wall Street's Average Target Sits 79% Above the Price. One Side Is Badly Wrong.

Rocket Lab stock has plummeted 58% from its $151 peak to $63.91, while Wall Street analysts maintain an average price target of $114.33—79% above current levels. The massive valuation gap stems from the company's planned $8 billion acquisition of Iridium Communications, which requires a $3.6 billion bridge loan plus additional debt and equity financing. While Rocket Lab's core business shows strong execution with record Q1 revenue growth of 63% and a $2.2 billion backlog, investor concerns center on the financing burden for a company generating $680 million in annual revenue that isn't yet profitable. The recent Piper Sandler initiation at $83—27% below consensus—suggests analyst targets may be overly optimistic about the deal's success.

07/28/2026, 3:32 AM • The Motley Fool

Rocket Lab Debuts a Breakthrough Technology Investors Should Have on Their Radar

Rocket Lab demonstrated a breakthrough integrated service model with its Victus Haze mission for the U.S. Space Force, combining rocket launch, spacecraft design, software, and in-space operations under a single contractor. The company completed the entire mission in under 59 hours, showcasing rapid-response capabilities. While the $32 million contract is modest compared to its $2.2 billion backlog, it positions Rocket Lab to earn revenue from multiple mission components rather than just launches. Success depends on securing repeat orders and maintaining healthy profit margins.

07/28/2026, 12:30 AM • The Motley Fool

Should You Forget SpaceX, Starlink, and Small Satellites? USAF Orders 2 Big Billion-Dollar Satellites From Boeing.

While the space industry has shifted toward small satellite constellations, the U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $2 billion contract to build two large MUOS satellites expected to operate through 2035. The article clarifies this doesn't signal a reversal in the small satellite trend, but rather reflects the Pentagon's existing commitment to maintaining its large satellite infrastructure.

07/25/2026, 5:05 AM • The Motley Fool

Huge News for Rocket Lab Investors

Rocket Lab announced an $8 billion acquisition of satellite telecom company Iridium Communications at $54 per share. The deal aims to create a vertically integrated space company that designs, builds, launches, and operates satellite constellations. While Iridium is profitable and cash flow positive, the author expresses caution about Rocket Lab's high valuation and need to prove reliable profitability, though bullish investors may see long-term potential.

07/24/2026, 9:30 AM • The Motley Fool

Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck Says Watch the Test Stands. Here's Why the Neutron Timeline Means Everything for Investors.

Rocket Lab faces critical pressure to deliver its Neutron medium-lift rocket on schedule after pushing first flights to late 2026. With multiple competitors like Firefly Aerospace, Relativity Space, and Blue Origin advancing their own medium-lift rockets, delays could cause customers to switch providers. Rocket Lab's long-term success depends on successful Neutron launches within the next year.

07/21/2026, 5:28 PM • The Motley Fool

Should You Buy Rocket Lab Stock Below $70?

Rocket Lab stock has fallen 55% from its May highs and currently trades at $67.50. While the company is making aggressive moves to compete with SpaceX, including a proposed $8 billion acquisition of Iridium and development of its Neutron rocket, the stock remains overvalued at a P/S ratio of 55. The analyst recommends waiting for further price declines before investing.

07/20/2026, 3:05 PM • The Motley Fool

SpaceX Delayed Its Starship Launch and the Stock Fell Below Its IPO Price. One of Those Things Matters. The Other Doesn't.

SpaceX's stock fell below its $135 IPO price following a Starship launch delay, but the article argues the delay itself is unlikely to materially impact the company's long-term investment thesis. The stock decline is attributed more to thin trading float (only 4% of shares trade publicly), AI sector sell-offs, and pending lock-up expirations rather than the business fundamentals. Near-term revenue drivers like Starlink and AI compute deals remain unaffected by the delay.

07/17/2026, 10:15 AM • The Motley Fool

AST SpaceMobile vs. Rocket Lab: Which Stock Is The Superior SpaceX Competitor?

SpaceX has fallen back to its IPO price of $135. The article compares two alternatives: AST SpaceMobile, which focuses on satellite-based broadband through telecom partnerships but doesn't launch its own satellites, and Rocket Lab, which will become fully integrated after acquiring Iridium Communications. All three companies are unprofitable startups, making them suitable only for aggressive growth investors.

07/16/2026, 9:15 PM • The Motley Fool