Rocket Lab ($RKLB) reached its all-time high of $53.44 this week, soaring over 20% since Monday

Citi raised its price target from $33 → $50, citing confidence in long-term revenue growth supported by 20 annual Neutron launches and satellite manufacturing contracts through 2029. Bank of America, Stifel Nicolaus, & others have also increased target prices and reiterated Buy or Overweight ratings.

Why RKLB has been soaring recently?

1. Stellar Launch Execution

RKLB recently completed its 68th Electron launch “Symphony In The Stars”, including two from the same pad within 48 hours—a record ramp-up demonstrating operational excellence. This just super awesome!

2. Neutron Rocket & Infrastructure

Investors are highly anticipating the Neutron, a medium‑lift reusable rocket aimed at competing with SpaceX’s Falcon 9. Rocket Lab signed a contract with Bollinger Shipyards to build an ocean landing platform for Neutron’s recovery operations.

3. Defense and Government Contracts: “Golden Dome” Narrative

In May 2025, Rocket Lab completed its acquisition of Geost, a key supplier of space-based sensor systems.

This positions the company within hypersonic missile tracking and national defense networks—especially relevant amid U.S. government focus on space superiority.

Analysts increasingly describe Rocket Lab as a “safe, apolitical alternative” to SpaceX amid Musk–Trump political entanglements.

4.Investor FOMO causing Short Squeeze

The stock has broken past key technical levels, triggering strong momentum and options trading interest around the $50–$51 strikes. Shorts are forced to buy back their shares to cut losses — pushing the price even higher.

Can Rocket Lab continue the momentum? Key-7th Aug 2025

Rocket Lab will release its earnings on August 7th. Earnings will be a make-or-break moment. Here’s what matters:

Q2 Revenue & EPS
  • Street estimate: ~$135 million revenue, compared to roughly $122.6 million in Q1—a healthy sequential gain 
  • Watch earnings per share closely—Q1 came in at –$0.12 (versus –$0.10 expected). Investors hope for profitability trends or reduced losses 
Neutron Updates
  • Any hints on progress toward Neutron’s maiden launch in the second half of 2025 would be a major.
  • Investors will listen for KPIs around engine testing, pad readiness, and barge landing capability, which were reaffirmed earlier this year.
Government & Defense Momentum
  • Will RKLB highlight new progress on Geost/Golden Dome? Any additional contracts or sensor milestones would reinforce the defense story.
  • They may also update on Space Force / hypersonic tracking programs or reveal new ESA/NASA partnerships.
Outlook & Guidance
  • Important to close the gap between execution and lofty Street targets (Citi $50, some creeping higher).
  • How does management frame 2025 guidance given Q2 performance and ramp on Neutron?

Investor Sentiment

Scenario Price Impact Interpretation
Bullish $55–$60 Strong Q2 numbers, confirmed Neutron milestones, new contracts
Conservative $48–$50 range Slight EPS miss or cautious Neutron guidance
Bearish ~$43–$45 (–10–15%) Delays, no new contracts, or weakening launch cadence