Is Rocket Lab's Neutron Rocket Nearing Launch Readiness?
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AAPL TSLA AMZN META AMD NVDA PEP COST ADBE GOOG AMGN HON INTC INTU NFLX ADP SBUX MRNA AAPL TSLA AMZN META AMD NVDA PEP COST ADBE GOOG AMGN HON INTC INTU NFLX ADP SBUX MRNA AAPL TSLA AMZN META AMD NVDA PEP COST ADBE GOOG AMGN HON INTC INTU NFLX ADP SBUX MRNA Stocks Is Rocket Lab's Neutron Rocket Nearing Launch Readiness? December 11, 2025 — 10:08 am EST Written by Zacks Equity Research for Zacks-> Rocket Lab USA, Inc. RKLB is taking another clear step forward with the Neutron rocket after completing qualification testing for its innovative Hungry Hippo fairing system. This fairing is now on its way to Virginia for Neutron’s first launch campaign and the milestone shows that the rocket is progressing as planned.The Hungry Hippo fairing sets Neutron apart in the reusable launch market. Most rockets discard their fairing halves during flight or must recover them at sea for reuse. Neutron instead keeps its fairing attached to the first stage during launch and landing. The fairing opens to deploy the second stage and payload, and then closes again so the rocket can return to Earth as one complete reusable vehicle. This approach supports faster reuse and simpler operations for frequent commercial, civil and national security missions.With the fairing design and structure now qualified for flight, Neutron is moving deeper into launch readiness. The rocket is built from carbon composite material and can lift up to 13,000 kilograms, which positions Rocket Lab to compete for larger, higher-value missions.Neutron began development in late 2021 and remains on track for its first flight in 2026. With major hardware arriving at Launch Complex 3 in Virginia, this achievement brings the company closer to introducing one of the fastest-developed commercial rockets to the market.Other Stocks to Keep on the WatchlistThe space launch services market is expanding steadily, driven by rapid technological progress, rising satellite deployment and increasing commercial space activity.These trends create opportunities for major space players like Boeing BA and Lockheed Martin LMT, which maintain a strong foothold in launch services through their joint venture, United Launch Alliance (“ULA”).Formed in 2006, ULA has completed more than 150 Atlas and Delta launches, establishing itself as a reliable provider for commercial, scientific and defense missions.To strengthen its position, ULA recently introduced the Vulcan rocket, offering more affordable and flexible launch options. RKLB’s Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesShares of RKLB have gained 154.7% in the past year compared with the industry’s 23.9% growth.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchThe company shares are expensive on a relative basis, with its forward 12-month Price/Sales being 36.58X compared with its industry’s average of 9.87X.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for RKLB’s 2025 and 2026 losses has improved 16.67% and 6.67%, respectively, over the past 60 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchRKLB stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Free Report: Profiting from the 2nd Wave of AI Explosion The next phase of the AI explosion is poised to create significant wealth for investors, especially those who get in early. It will add literally trillion of dollars to the economy and revolutionize nearly every part of our lives. 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Click to get this free reportThe Boeing Company (BA) : Free Stock Analysis ReportLockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) : Free Stock Analysis ReportRocket Lab Corporation (RKLB) : Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment Research The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. Tags StocksInvesting Zacks Zacks is the leading investment research firm focusing on stock research, analysis and recommendations. In 1978, our founder discovered the power of earnings estimate revisions to enable profitable investment decisions. Today, that discovery is still the heart of the Zacks Rank. A wealth of resources for individual investors is available at www.zacks.com. More articles by this source-> Stocks mentioned BA LMT RKLB More Related Articles This data feed is not available at this time. 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