$RKLB

Rocket Lab said it developed GHOST, a modular, containerized launch system intended to be transported and deployed anywhere to support launches of its Electron and HASTE rockets. The company noted GHOST will be deployed first at the U.S. Space Force’s Pacific Spaceport Complex in Kodiak, Alaska, adding two launch pads. The system is positioned as faster expansion and redundancy for space launch capacity.

Rocket Lab says the U.S. Space Force awarded it a $397 million contract under the SB-AMTI program to design, manufacture and launch a fleet of “Flatellites” for real-time airborne threat tracking. The company cites prior 2026 U.S. defense awards totaling $943 million. Rocket Lab also highlighted its GHOST deployable launch system for responsive missions.

The U.S. Space Force, via Space Systems Command under the SBST portfolio, awarded fixed-price contracts and OTAs to five companies to develop a resilient, open-architecture Space Data Network. Each set is valued at $12 million. Five $10M contracts fund SDN multivendor interconnectivity prototyping, and five $2M OTAs fund SEP satellite orbital routers.

The article argues that after SpaceX’s June 12 IPO, space stocks fell and are now rebounding, citing sector earnings and SpaceX clearing an initial post-IPO lockup. It highlights five publicly traded names with recent results and guidance, including RDW Q2 revenue $117.1M (+89.6%), BKSY $100M annualized run rate, RKLB Q2 revenue $234M (+62%), ASTS backlog $1.3B and $1.15B note, and SpaceX parent SPCX Q2 revenue $7.8B (+92%).

Rocket Lab Corp. established Rocket Lab Germany GmbH in Munich to support international growth and potential scaling of satellite and component manufacturing in Germany. The company also cites its prior acquisition of Mynaric AG, which will continue producing laser optical communications terminals and develop new technology. Rocket Lab Germany will provide Electron and Neutron launch services.

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) shares fell after Q2 revenue rose 62% to a record $234 million, beating Wall Street expectations. Management said Neutron’s inaugural flight timing shifted, targeting delivery to the launch pad in Q4 2026. Q3 GAAP gross margin guidance is 29% to 31% versus a 37.6% LSEG estimate. Space Systems revenue was $189.5 million; backlog ended at $2.36 billion.

Rocket Lab plans to increase Electron launch frequency using its portable GHOST spaceport system and also expand launches to Alaska. ArianeGroup will not dissolve MaiaSpace despite a 37.5 million euro 2025 loss. Firefly says Alpha production is at an all-time high. Virgin Galactic seeks a name for its Delta-1 ship and targets commercial service in Feb 2027. Rocket Lab’s Neutron first launch is now likely in 2027.

Rocket Lab reported Q2 revenue of $234.07 million, above the $231.35 million consensus estimate, and a loss of 8 cents per share versus an expected 7 cents. The company said it ended the quarter with a $2.36 billion backlog and about $2.13 billion in cash. For Q3, it expects revenue of $250-$265 million.

The article says New Zealand Parliament advanced the English Language Bill and debated expanded citizens’ arrest powers under the Crimes Act. It also reports Prime Minister Christopher Luxon survived a confidence vote, then removed Defence Minister Chris Penk’s portfolios and Penk later left Parliament. Separately, a judicial review challenges four Rocket Lab satellite launches from Māhia, amid allegations tied to BlackSky and potential intelligence use.

Iridium Communications CEO Matthew Desch said regulatory filings for Rocket Lab’s proposed acquisition of Iridium are underway, with approvals for licenses progressing on schedule. Iridium still expects a mid-2027 close, while exploring acceleration. Desch noted early engagement with about 15 Rocket Lab executives and said business continues until then.