This weekend marks the start of a 14-day launch window for Rocket Lab’s next Electron rocket launch for Kinéis, a global internet-of-things connectivity provider. Rocket Lab says the window opens on November 23, NZ time, and Electron will lift off from Launch Complex-1 on the Mahia Peninsula.
Confirmation of the launch window follows Rocket Lab recently winning a USD8 million US federal defence contract to demonstrate its engineering processes and continue developing its new reusable rocket engine, Archimedes.
In addition, Rocket Lab has signed a confidential multi-launch agreement with a commercial satellite constellation operator for its new medium-lift rocket, Neutron. Under the contract, Rocket Lab will launch two dedicated missions on Neutron starting from mid-2026 at Launch Complex 3 on Wallops Island, Virginia. There is also the potential for further launches for the same client.
The run of activity has seen NASDAQ-listed Rocket Lab’s share price rise over 240% and recently given one of its directors, Matthew Ocko, a USD96.7 million payday after he sold 5.37 million shares. At the current share price, Ocko retains shares worth around USD65 million.
Improved progress with the Electron rocket, improved execution, improved revenues and margins, and a robust launch schedule are driving the stock rise.
Kinéis launches to put 25 nanosatellites into orbit
The upcoming Electron rocket launch is the third of five dedicated launches booked by Kinéis, which will ultimately put 25 nanosatellites in orbit. The previous launches took place in June and September.
The mission is one of several Electron launches scheduled for lift-off before the end of the year, with 12 Electron launches completed successfully in 2024, making this Rocket Lab’s busiest launch year to date.
Kinéis develops technology that provides easy access to useful satellite data. When fully deployed, the nanosatellites will allow its customers to connect any object from anywhere in the world and transmit useful data from these objects to users in near real time.
“Kinéis continues to deploy its 25-satellite constellation on schedule,” said CEO Alexandre Tisserant. “Efforts are being maintained by the technical teams, who are operating our first ten nanosatellites in flight and will manage the positioning of the five new ones.”
Targeting Neutron rocket launch in 2026
The Kinéis launch will see its nanosatellites go into orbit 643 kilometres above sea level at an inclination of 97˚. The launch will be Rocket Lab’s 55th using its partially reuseable Electron rocket. The company is targeting mid-2025 for the debut of its partially reusable Neutron rocket, a bigger and more powerful launch vehicle than Electron.
“We see this agreement as an important opportunity that signifies the beginning of a productive collaboration that could see Neutron deploy this particular customer’s entire constellation,” Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck said during a recent earnings call about his latest undisclosed customer. But he also added that until a vehicle is proven and flying, any launch contract is basically worthless.
In contrast, he calls the smaller Electron rocket “something that works, that commands a premium.”
Rocket Lab will have a live webcast of its upcoming Electron rocket launch available from T-30 minutes.
