Rocket Lab secured record revenue and expanded its launch backlog as the space-tech firm posted its financial results for the three months ending September 30.
New Revenue Records
Rocket Lab posted record quarterly revenue of just under NZ$476 million for the September quarter, up about NZ$60m on the previous quarter, according to RNZ. The company booked an adjusted loss of between $25m and $36m, while forecasting fourth-quarter revenue between US$270m and US$290m.
The quarter closed out with US$4.4b in cash, a substantial increase from the year-ago figure of $828.6m, following debt raising and new share issuance to cover the planned US$8b purchase of Iridium, the NZ Herald reported. Founder and chief executive Sir Peter Beck saw his personal wealth increase by US$238 million to US$2.9 billion during the trading session, according to Forbes’ real-time wealth tracker cited by the NZ Herald.
Acquisitions and Major Contracts
The September quarter brought the US$8b purchase of US satellite network operator Iridium past its final major hurdle when company shareholders approved the transaction. The deal, which is expected to close mid-2027, is funded by a combination of cash and debt. Beyond the Iridium buyout, Rocket Lab secured major defense and commercial agreements. The company signed a US$266m contract with the US Space Force for 18 launches aimed at boosting missile defense capabilities, utilizing a new facility at the Alaska state-government-owned Pacific Spaceport Complex. Tokyo-based Earth-imaging firm Synspective also booked 20 Electron launches, marking Rocket Lab’s largest civilian contract to date.
Launch Milestones and Delays
Rocket Lab completed its 99th Electron launch and its 26th of 2026 on November 3, keeping the rocket on track to reach 100 flights faster than any other private operator. Total new launch contracts across Electron, HASTE, and Neutron reached approximately NZ$1.78 billion during the period, lifting the total launch backlog to a record 117 missions, as reported by RNZ.
The larger Neutron rocket faced another delay, pushing its debut to the second half of next year due to a fuel tank defect. Rocket Lab priced Neutron flights, with US$914min Neutron launch contracts already secured ahead of its first flight.
“Our end-to-end space strategy is delivering exactly as designed: the world’s most critical and ambitious missions increasingly rely on Rocket Lab for launch, spacecraft and components, sometimes all on a single mission, and every part of our business is growing as a result,” said Sir Peter Beck, founder and chief executive, according to RNZ.
Retail investor interest remained high through the period. Co-founder and co-chief executive Leighton Roberts told the NZ Herald that platform customers hold the stock on the fractional ownership platform Sharesies, making it the most widely held equity on the service.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Iridium acquisition expected to close?
The transaction is expected to close in mid-2027 following shareholder approval secured during the September quarter.
What caused the delay for the Neutron rocket?
The six-month delay stems from a fuel tank defect that requires technical remediation before the larger rocket’s debut in the second half of next year.
How much does a Rocket Lab Electron launch cost compared to Neutron?
An Electron launch costs, whereas the upcoming Neutron flight will charge.
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