Rocket Lab Shares Soar 8.04% on Defense Rally and 80th Launch Success
Rocket Lab shares jumped 8.04% after defense sector rally driven by escalating US–Iran tensions and a successful 80th Electron launch that deployed satellites for Open Cosmos. Brokerages raised price targets—Bank of America to $120, Goldman Sachs to $69, Morgan Stanley to $105—despite a Neutron stage-1 tank rupture delaying its debut.
1. Defense-Driven Stock Rally
Rocket Lab led aerospace and defense gains with an 8.04% jump as US–Iran tensions escalated, boosting military spending expectations and sending defense-related equities higher.
2. 80th Electron Launch Outcomes
The company achieved its 80th mission for the Electron rocket, successfully deploying Open Cosmos satellites and demonstrating increasing launch cadence for small-satellite services.
3. Brokerage Price Target Increases
Following the launch success, Bank of America lifted its target to $120, Goldman Sachs to $69, and Morgan Stanley upgraded Rocket Lab to Overweight with a $105 target.
4. Neutron Tank Rupture Delay
Engineers discovered a rupture in a Neutron stage-1 tank during a pressure test, creating uncertainty around the timing of the larger vehicle’s inaugural flight.