Why Rocket Lab Stock Took Flight on Friday

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) stock took flight on Friday, climbing as much as 10%. As of 3:10 p.m. ET, the stock was still up 8.1%. The catalyst that sent the rocket specialist higher was news of its latest successful flight. Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue " Image source: The Motley Fool. The final frontier In a press release that dropped late Thursday, Rocket Lab announced its 13th successful Electron rocket launch in 2026. The mission deployed the latest satellite into space for the company's multi-launch customer, Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS), which operates the QPS-SAR Earth-imaging constellation. This was the latest successful launch for iQPS, whose satellite constellation provides "near-real imagery across twelve different orbits." The company noted that iQPS has an additional 10 launches booked with Rocket Lab to complete its satellite constellation ahead of its 2030 deadline. This also marked the 92nd mission for the Electron rocket as Rocket Lab pursues its goal of becoming an end-to-end space company. The announcement comes just days after Rocket Lab won a $397 million contract with the U.S. Space Force to develop, launch, and operate multiple advanced "Flatellites," a series of next-generation satellites, designed to detect and track airborne threats in real time. This could be the first of many more such contracts. Rocket Lab stock has been volatile in recent months, riding the wave of excitement related to the Space Exploration Technologies -- aka SpaceX -- IPO. In the run-up to SpaceX's public debut, Rocket Lab stock surged 115% during the first five months of 2026, only to plunge as much as 61% in the months that followed. Despite the volatility, Rocket Lab stock is still up 86% over the past year. That volatility is sure to continue, as it's still early days in the current "space race." At 66 times sales, Rocket Lab Stock is pricey, but it's also cheap compared to SpaceX, which sells for 82 times sales. Moreover, as the space economy heats up, the sky's the limit for Rocket Lab. Don't miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you'll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a "Double Down" stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you're worried you've already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it's too late. And the numbers speak for themselves: * Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you'd have $568,693!* * Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you'd have $59,543!* * Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you'd have $397,405!* Right now, we're issuing "Double Down" alerts for three incredible companies, available when you join Stock Advisor, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon. See the 3 stocks " *Stock Advisor returns as of August 7, 2026. Danny Vena, CPA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Why Rocket Lab Stock Took Flight on Friday

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