Rocket Lab hit record quarterly revenue in the first quarter of 2026 and shared momentum for the upcoming Neutron launch vehicle as well as a robotics acquisition and work on space-based interceptors.
Launch deal: Rocket Lab secured its largest launch contract in history with a confidential customer for both Electron launches and launches on its upcoming Neutron vehicle. The multi-launch agreement includes five dedicated Neutron launches and three dedicated Electron launches, targeted launch between 2026 and 2029.
Neutron has yet to first launch, but Rocket Lab said the rocket’s commercial manifest “is rapidly filling up through to the end of the decade.” Interestingly, Rocket Lab said it has now sold more launches in the first three months of this year than it did throughout all of 2025.
CEO Peter Beck confirmed in Thursday’s investor call that Rocket Lab is maintaining its schedule towards the first launch of Neutron later this year.
Space-based interceptor teaming: After the Space Force named 12 companies to Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) contracts for space-based interceptor prototypes, Rocket Lab said it will work with Raytheon to demonstrate capabilities for the program.
Like other companies who shared this week they are collaborating with companies named to the contract, Rocket Lab was tight-lipped about what exactly it will be contributing.
“There is a limited amount that we can really talk about for that program specifically, but we envision it to be a very large opportunity,” CFO Adam Spice told investors on May 7.
He said the procurement process is interesting in the way that companies have to invest in order to potentially unlock large opportunities.
“The most important thing right now is — are we able to, like we have in the past — bring really quick, cost-advantaged solutions to the market because of our vertical integration capabilities? We will be able to do things in timeframes and at cost points that we think few, if any, will be able to compete with,” Spice added.
Robotics acquisition: Rocket Lab also announced another acquisition, acquiring technology used in Mars rovers. Rocket Lab has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Motiv Space Systems, a space robotics company based in California, which has contributed robotic arms, actuators, and drive electronics to missions like NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover and the CADRE lunar rovers. Motiv will be branded Rocket Lab Robotics
CEO Peter Beck told investors the company is “world expects” in actuation and high-precision actuation needs.
First Quarter Highlights
Rocket Lab’s first quarter revenue of $200.3 million was a 63.5% increase over the same time last year. The revenue increase was due to launching six missions during the quarter as well as growth in the Space Systems business with Rocket Lab’s contribution to Space Development Agency (SDA) contracts, and its components business.
Space Systems revenue was $136.7 million — up 57% year-over-year. Launch revenue was $63.7 million — up 79% year-over-year.
The company also improved its net loss year-over-year and reported a net loss of $45 million compared to a net loss of $60.6 million in the same time last year.
Rocket Lab provided guidance for the second quarter of 2026 and expects revenue to range between $225 million to $240 million.
