Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (RKLB) is experiencing a surge in its stock price today, driven by the announcement that NASA has selected its upcoming Neutron rocket for the Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) contract. This inclusion expands Rocket Lab's launch options from Virginia’s Eastern Shore, with the Neutron rocket set to support NASA's science and technology payloads. The Neutron, a medium-lift reusable rocket, is scheduled for its inaugural flight in mid-2025, marking a significant milestone for Rocket Lab as it enhances its capabilities and strengthens its relationship with NASA.
Additionally, Rocket Lab's proactive approach in urging NASA to expedite the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission decision may also be contributing to investor optimism. The company has proposed a cost-effective and timely solution for the MSR mission, positioning itself as a strong contender for this high-prestige project. If successful, this could significantly boost Rocket Lab's revenue and market position, further fueling positive sentiment around the stock.
The current price of Rocket Lab's stock is $26.28, reflecting an 8.77% increase from the previous close of $24.16. Despite being just 30 minutes into the trading day, the volume is relatively low at 4,376,502 shares, representing only 20.57% of the average daily volume of 21,279,939 shares.