Latest news with #HawkEye360
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Rocket Lab vs. BlackSky: Which Space Tech Stock Is the Smarter Player?
As investors increasingly focus on the commercialization of space and national security needs, the demand for space technology stocks like Rocket Lab Corp. RKLB and BlackSky Technology BKSY is rising, further fueled by the growing demand for real-time data and satellite infrastructure. RKLB and BKSY represent two distinct, yet complementary, facets of the space economy. Rocket Lab operates as a launch service provider and space system manufacturer, specializing in small satellite launches through its Electron rocket. In contrast, BlackSky operates in geospatial intelligence, collecting and delivering high-frequency, real-time satellite imagery and analytics to clients, including government agencies and commercial entities. In recent times, heightened investor interest has been observed for these stocks amid rising global defense spending, increased demand for commercial Earth observation data, and the recent momentum in the private space sector post-SpaceX success. Additionally, intensifying geopolitical tensions and climate-related monitoring needs have strengthened the investment case for real-time satellite analytics and launch resilience. Against this backdrop, an investor seeking a profitable space tech stock may find it challenging to choose between RKLB and BKSY solely based on their business models. Let's dig deeper to see which stock emerges as the smarter player in the evolving space tech landscape. Recent Achievements: Among RKLB's more recent achievements, worth mentioning is the successful launch of its 67th Electron rocket for HawkEye 360, a radio frequency geospatial analytics provider, in June 2025. As Electron continues to post record launch volumes, Rocket Lab aims for more than 20 launches this year. This optimistic guidance reflects growing commercial confidence in RKLB's launch services, which, combined with Electron's 100% mission success rate year to date, should inspire more clients to choose RKLB as their preferred launch service provider. This, in turn, should boost Rocket Lab's launch cadence and bolster its future revenue stream. Financial Stability: Rocket Lab ended the first quarter with a cash and cash equivalent of $428 million. Its current debt was $20 million, while its long-term debt totaled $419 million. So, we may safely conclude that the company holds a moderate solvency position, which should enable it to continue investing in innovative space technologies to support the manufacturing of components, sub-systems, and assemblies across the full range of its launch vehicles and spacecraft family. Challenges to Note: A key risk to investing in Rocket Lab lies in its high operating expenses, caused by investments in innovations like the Neutron launch vehicle, Electron's first-stage recovery, advanced spacecraft capabilities and an expanded portfolio of components. These expenses often offset revenue gains, leading to losses, as evident from its recent quarterly reports. Moreover, the space industry is highly capital-intensive and subject to long development cycles, with uncertain timelines for launch vehicle readiness (such as the upcoming Neutron rocket), which might delay revenue streams and dampen investor sentiment for the stock. Recent Achievements: Among BlackSky's most recent achievements, worth mentioning is the $24 million, four-year contract it secured from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency to provide AI-powered global monitoring of military and economic sites, earlier this week. Last month, the company signed Gen-3 early access agreements with multiple international defense sector customers for providing real-time, space-based monitoring capabilities. These contracts should duly boost BKSY's top-line performance in the next few years. Moreover, in mid-June, the company revealed its plans to expand its current high-frequency monitoring constellation with multispectral, large-area collection satellites, with their launches expected in 2027. Such innovations, once available in the market, should fetch more revenues for BKSY in the coming years. Financial Stability: BlackSky ended fiscal 2025 with cash and cash equivalents of $77 million. Its current debt, as of March 31, 2025, was $4 million, while its long-term debt was $112 million. So, we may safely conclude that the company holds a solid solvency position in the near term, which should enable it to continue investing in the development of innovative space-based intelligence products. It is currently focusing on expanding its satellite constellation and enhancing its analytics platform, including work on a high-resolution optical satellite in collaboration with Thales Alenia Space for India's defense contractor, Nibe Ltd. Challenges to Note: BlackSky faces intense competition in the crowded satellite imaging sector, where rivals like Planet Labs and Maxar dominate with larger constellations, lower pricing and established government contracts. The rise of AI-driven analytics startups and SpaceX's Starlink-backed imaging ventures further escalates pressure on BKSY to differentiate its real-time intelligence offerings. Moreover, despite achieving strong revenue growth, the company is unable to deliver strong bottom-line performance, which might be a cause of concern for its investors. Evidently, though BKSY's first-quarter 2025 revenues grew 22% year over year, the company registered a loss of $12.8 million. Since investment in space-based technologies is highly capital intensive, BKSY incurs huge operating expenses in the form of high research and development costs as well as professional and engineering services costs, in addition to high interest expenses due to its huge long-term debt load. This trend is unlikely to reverse soon, thereby continuing to put a downward pressure on BKSY's bottom line in the near future. To this end, analysts polled by S&P Global Market Intelligence don't expect BlackSky to earn its first profit before 2028 (as per an article published by The Motley Fool in June 2025). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Rocket Lab's 2025 sales suggests a surge of 32.8% from the year-ago quarter's reported figure, while that for its loss per share also implies a solid improvement. The company's near-term bottom-line estimates reflect mixed movement over the past 60 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BlackSky's 2025 sales implies year-over-year growth of 28.5%, while that for its loss also suggests a solid improvement. The stock's annual bottom-line estimates have moved north over the past 60 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research RKLB (up 94.1%) has underperformed BKSY (up 158.9%) over the past three months. However, over the past year, RKLB surpassed BKSY. Shares of RKLB and BKSY have surged 652.9% and 139.2%, respectively, in a year. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research BKSY is trading at a forward sales of 4.32X, below RKLB's 22.96X. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The image below, reflecting a negative Return on Equity (ROE) for both RKLB and BKSY, suggests that neither space company is generating profits from its equity base very efficiently. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The image below reflects that BKSY is more leveraged than RKLB, considering its high debt-to-capital ratio. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research To conclude, both RKLB and BKSY are positioned to benefit from rising demand in the space tech sector. However, based on recent achievements and key metrics, RKLB stands out as the more financially sound stock compared to BKSY for long-term investors. Despite its premium valuation, RKLB's consistent launch cadence and low leverage should appeal to most investors. In contrast, BKSY's higher leverage and a delayed path to profitability diminish its near-term investment appeal. Therefore, for investors seeking a balanced risk-reward in space tech, RKLB is the preferred choice. However, those who already own BKSY may continue to do so, considering its recent share price outperformance on the bourses and upward movement in its annual earnings estimates, which reflect increased investor and analyst confidence in this stock. Both RKLB and BKSY carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) at present. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB) : Free Stock Analysis Report BlackSky Technology Inc. (BKSY) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- Science
- NZ Herald
Rocket Lab launches 67th rocket, prepares for next in 48 hours
'Get The Hawk Outta Here' launched on a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from the company's launch complex in Mahia as seen from Bay View. Photo / Art Hyde Rocket Lab's 67th rocket has launched in the early morning Hawke's Bay darkness, just 48 hours out from its 68th launch. 'Get The Hawk Outta Here' launched on a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from the company's launch complex in Mahia at 5.28am on Friday morning on behalf of HawkEye360, an
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Rocket Lab Fast-Tracks Electron Launch for HawkEye 360
Rocket Lab USA Corporation RKLB recently announced a rapid turnaround in its Electron launch schedule to accommodate the next mission for HawkEye 360, a geospatial analytics company. Scheduled to lift off no earlier than Thursday, June 26th UTC from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, the mission—titled 'Get The Hawk Outta Here'—will fly ahead of a previously planned launch that was postponed for additional adjustment highlights Rocket Lab's ability to deliver peak operational efficiency and flexibility amid a demanding, back-to-back launch schedule, thereby strengthening its footprint in the space launch services industry. In the modern era of space exploration, factors like rapid technological advancements, the growing demand for satellite deployment, increasing commercial space activities and rising investments in space infrastructure are fueling the growth of the space launch services must have prompted the Grand View Research firm to estimate that the global space launch services market will witness a compound annual growth rate of 15.6% during the 2024-2030 time robust market growth prospects are expected to benefit companies like Rocket Lab. With its advanced Electron rocket and expanding capabilities in small satellite launches, the company is well-positioned to leverage the booming demand for frequent and cost-effective capture further market shares, Rocket Lab is currently developing the Neutron rocket, designed for larger payloads and constellation deployments. This new product should further bolster RKLB's position in the market and fetch solid revenues. Other companies that are expected to enjoy the perks of the expanding global space launch services market have been discussed Grumman Corporation NOC: It provides launch vehicles and propulsion systems through its space systems division. The company's innovations in rocket technology and satellite deployment make it a significant beneficiary of the growing demand for space launch has a long-term (three to five years) earnings growth rate of 3.3%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NOC's 2025 sales indicates year-over-year growth of 2.8%.The Boeing Company BA and Lockheed Martin Corporation's LMT joint venture, United Launch Alliance ('ULA'), has been the United States' premier launch services provider since its establishment in 2006. The JV has successfully launched more than 150 Atlas and Delta rockets since has a long-term earnings growth rate of 18.1%, while that for Lockheed is pegged at 10.5%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BA and LMT's 2025 sales indicates year-over-year growth of 25.6% and 4.7%, respectively. Shares of RKLB have gained 603% in the past year compared with the industry's 46.6% growth. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research RKLB currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The Boeing Company (BA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Rocket Lab Successfully Launches 67th Electron Mission, Schedules Next Launch in Less Than 48 Hours
MAHIA, New Zealand, June 26, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) ("Rocket Lab" or "the Company"), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today successfully launched its 67th Electron rocket on a dedicated launch for radio frequency geospatial analytics provider HawkEye 360. In less than 48 hours of mission success, Rocket Lab is scheduled for its next Electron launch to take place on Saturday, June 28th NZT – expected to mark the Company's fastest launch turnaround yet from Launch Complex 1. Mission Success for Electron's 67th Launch "Get The Hawk Outta Here" launched on Electron from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, at 5:28 a.m. on June 27th NZT (17:28 on June 26th UTC). The mission deployed four satellites to a 520 km circular low Earth orbit: a trio of microsatellites called Cluster 12 to collect and geolocate radio frequency signals from around the world, along with Kestrel-0A, an experimental satellite designed to evaluate emerging capabilities and future technology enhancements. Today's mission was the second of three dedicated launches in a multi-launch contract for HawkEye 360, following the company's first mission on Electron to deploy its Cluster 5 trio of satellites in 2023. Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, says: "Today's launch for HawkEye 360 was another seamless ride to orbit for Electron, with four satellites deployed with absolute precision to support the growth of HawkEye 360's constellation in low Earth orbit. With our next mission set to launch in less than 48 hours— the fastest we've ever scheduled back-to-back missions from the same launch site — I'm proud of the team for continuing to deliver the high-cadence, responsive launch that our customers rely on." Next Electron Launch Scheduled From Launch Complex 1 The next scheduled Electron mission, "Symphony In The Stars", will launch a single spacecraft to a 650km circular Earth orbit for a confidential commercial customer no earlier than 7:00 p.m. NZT/19:00 UTC tomorrow Saturday, June 28th. The mission will be Rocket Lab's 68th Electron launch overall and tenth mission this year from Launch Complex 1. Rocket Lab's dynamic scheduling to meet customer and mission requirements has proven the unparalleled adaptability and responsiveness of dedicated launch on Electron. With over 20 launches possible this year, Electron is in high demand among satellite operators for commercial, civil, and government missions. "Get The Hawk Outta Here" launch broadcast: "Get The Hawk Outta Here" Images and video: "Symphony In The Stars" mission information: About Rocket Lab Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier, and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle, a family of flight-proven spacecraft, and the Company is developing the large Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 200 satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab's Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a third launch pad in Virginia. To learn more, visit Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding our launch and space systems operations, launch schedule and window, safe and repeatable access to space, Neutron development, operational expansion and business strategy are forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "potential," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "strategy," "future," "could," "would," "project," "plan," "target," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the factors, risks and uncertainties included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), accessible on the SEC's website at and the Investor Relations section of our website at which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management's estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. View source version on Contacts Rocket Lab Media ContactKate Gamble media@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Rocket Lab Successfully Launches 67 th Electron Mission, Schedules Next Launch in Less Than 48 Hours
MAHIA, New Zealand--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) ('Rocket Lab' or 'the Company'), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today successfully launched its 67 th Electron rocket on a dedicated launch for radio frequency geospatial analytics provider HawkEye 360. In less than 48 hours of mission success, Rocket Lab is scheduled for its next Electron launch to take place on Saturday, June 28 th NZT – expected to mark the Company's fastest launch turnaround yet from Launch Complex 1. Mission Success for Electron's 67 th Launch 'Get The Hawk Outta Here' launched on Electron from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, at 5:28 a.m. on June 27 th NZT (17:28 on June 26 th UTC). The mission deployed four satellites to a 520 km circular low Earth orbit: a trio of microsatellites called Cluster 12 to collect and geolocate radio frequency signals from around the world, along with Kestrel-0A, an experimental satellite designed to evaluate emerging capabilities and future technology enhancements. Today's mission was the second of three dedicated launches in a multi-launch contract for HawkEye 360, following the company's first mission on Electron to deploy its Cluster 5 trio of satellites in 2023. Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, says: 'Today's launch for HawkEye 360 was another seamless ride to orbit for Electron, with four satellites deployed with absolute precision to support the growth of HawkEye 360's constellation in low Earth orbit. With our next mission set to launch in less than 48 hours— the fastest we've ever scheduled back-to-back missions from the same launch site — I'm proud of the team for continuing to deliver the high-cadence, responsive launch that our customers rely on.' Next Electron Launch Scheduled From Launch Complex 1 The next scheduled Electron mission, 'Symphony In The Stars', will launch a single spacecraft to a 650km circular Earth orbit for a confidential commercial customer no earlier than 7:00 p.m. NZT/19:00 UTC tomorrow Saturday, June 28 th. The mission will be Rocket Lab's 68 th Electron launch overall and tenth mission this year from Launch Complex 1. Rocket Lab's dynamic scheduling to meet customer and mission requirements has proven the unparalleled adaptability and responsiveness of dedicated launch on Electron. With over 20 launches possible this year, Electron is in high demand among satellite operators for commercial, civil, and government missions. 'Get The Hawk Outta Here' launch broadcast: 'Get The Hawk Outta Here' Images and video: 'Symphony In The Stars' mission information: About Rocket Lab Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier, and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle, a family of flight-proven spacecraft, and the Company is developing the large Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 200 satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab's Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a third launch pad in Virginia. To learn more, visit Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Securities Act') and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 'Exchange Act'). All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding our launch and space systems operations, launch schedule and window, safe and repeatable access to space, Neutron development, operational expansion and business strategy are forward-looking statements. The words 'believe,' 'may,' 'will,' 'estimate,' 'potential,' 'continue,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'expect,' 'strategy,' 'future,' 'could,' 'would,' 'project,' 'plan,' 'target,' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the factors, risks and uncertainties included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC'), accessible on the SEC's website at and the Investor Relations section of our website at which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management's estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change.
