$RKLB

Redwire (RDW), Rocket Lab (RKLB), and Firefly (FLY) are among 15 vendors selected for a $981 million Space Force contract for test and training tools through 2036. The contract has no guaranteed revenue split, and funds will be allocated via task orders. All three companies saw stock declines post-SpaceX's market debut.

SpaceX (SPCX) fell 4% to $148.13 due to upcoming share unlocks, a $52M sale by COO Gwynne Shotwell, and valuation concerns. AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) dropped 6% to $60.08, and Rocket Lab (RKLB) declined 2% to $70.28, reflecting broader space sector weakness. SpaceX faces a September 24 lockup expiration with 328M shares eligible for sale, potentially increasing supply pressure.

Rocket Lab (RKLB) shares rose 8% on September 21, closing at $69.89, after CEO Peter Beck presented his vision for acquiring Iridium Communications (IRDM). The deal, to be voted on by Iridium shareholders on September 24, aims to create a vertically integrated space company. Rocket Lab has secured $1.9B in financing. Cantor Fitzgerald maintained an Overweight rating with a $122 price target, citing potential upside. Institutional ownership in both companies has increased.

Redwire (RDW) and Rocket Lab (RKLB) are positioned to benefit from the growing space industry. Redwire focuses on space infrastructure and defense tech, while Rocket Lab expands into rockets, satellites, and defense contracts. Both companies aim to double by 2027, driven by government and commercial space investments.

Global venture capital investment in space technology companies reached $23 billion in the year ending June 2026, a 140% increase. SpaceX's (SPCX) IPO raised $85.7 billion, boosting sector liquidity. Late-stage deals grew 123% YoY, with average deal sizes increasing. M&A activity quadrupled, with notable acquisitions by Rocket Lab (RKLB) and Amazon. North America led investments, but Asia is narrowing the gap. Retail sentiment varies, with SPCX neutral, RKLB and LUNR bullish.

The Air and Space Forces are advancing research into orbital cargo delivery, shifting focus from large rockets to smaller reentry capsules. The AFRL's Rocket Cargo program is being phased down, but related efforts like PDS, P2D, and REGAL continue. PDS, jointly funded by both services, aims to develop low-cost reentry capsules with budgets of $30.6M (Air Force) and $21.2M (Space Force) in FY26. Commercial firms, including SpaceX and Blue Origin, are involved in these initiatives.

Rocket Lab (RKLB) and BlackSky (BKSY) are involved in Earth-observation satellite constellations. RKLB provides launch and space-system capabilities, while BKSY designs and operates its own constellation. RKLB's 2026 EPS estimate rose 50% in 60 days, while BKSY's fell 8.39%. RKLB has lower debt (0.83%) than BKSY (49.42%). Over a year, RKLB shares rose 47.9%, BKSY 10.6%. RKLB's P/S is 35.14, BKSY's is 4.95.

Cathie Wood's ARK Invest bought 359,612 Rocket Lab (RKLB) shares worth $25.7 million, citing potential opportunities due to SpaceX's reduced Falcon 9 rideshare missions. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an 'Overweight' rating and $122 price target, highlighting Neutron rocket and Iridium acquisition as catalysts. RKLB shares rose 2% in pre-market trading.

Rocket Lab (RKLB) reported record Q2 revenue of $234M, up 62% YoY, with a backlog of $2.36B, up 137%. The company secured $437M in new launch contracts. It operates in rockets, satellites, and spacecraft components, with government contracts totaling $663M. RKLB has $2.1B in cash and cash equivalents. The stock is valued at $40B, or 50x trailing sales.

Rocket Lab (RKLB) CEO Peter Beck highlighted the value of Iridium's (IRDM) spectrum in an interview, comparing it to investments by SpaceX and Amazon. RKLB stock rose 3% to $71.98. Beck estimated Rocket Lab could have built Iridium's constellation for $350M, much less than Iridium's $3B estimate. Shareholders will vote on the merger Thursday. Rocket Lab also secured $1.944B for the acquisition. Additionally, RKLB is working on a Space Force project with a $397M contract.