Can NITE-STAR Expand Rocket Lab's Space Infrastructure Opportunity?

Rocket Lab Corporation RKLB is broadening its role in the space industry by participating in the U.S. Space Force's NITE-STAR program. On Aug. 17, 2026, the company announced that it had been onboarded to the NITE-STAR IDIQ contract, which has a $981 million ceiling and is designed to advance space test and training infrastructure. The program provides Rocket Lab with an opportunity to compete for task orders supporting future U.S. Space Force requirements.

NITE-STAR is focused on developing a distributed test and training architecture to prepare space operators for contested scenarios. The program covers several areas, including the development and integration of space-based systems, deployment of ground systems, creation of digital environments and sustainment of operational systems. This gives Rocket Lab an opportunity to apply its space systems expertise beyond launch activities.

Rocket Lab's capabilities in satellite development, space software, space systems engineering and mission operations align with the program's requirements. Its vertically integrated model, which spans satellite design, manufacturing, launch and on-orbit operations, provides capabilities across multiple stages of space missions. This could help it compete for a broader range of NITE-STAR task orders.

The program also provides Rocket Lab with another avenue to deepen its involvement in U.S. government and defense space activities. As space readiness becomes increasingly important, demand for integrated test environments, ground infrastructure and operational systems could create opportunities for specialized space companies. Rocket Lab's participation in NITE-STAR expands its potential addressable market while strengthening its position across the space infrastructure ecosystem.

Companies Expanding Space Test and Training Capabilities

The growing focus on space readiness is encouraging defense and aerospace companies to expand capabilities that support space testing, training and mission operations. Companies like L3Harris Technologies, Inc. LHX and Northrop Grumman Corporation NOC are also developing technologies and infrastructure for U.S. government space missions.

L3Harris provides space systems, mission technologies and related capabilities that aid government and defense space operations.

Northrop Grumman develops space systems and mission solutions that support satellite operations, space-domain awareness and national security missions.

Earnings Estimates for RKLB Stock

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 and 2027 earnings per share suggests year-over-year growth of 81.48% and 240%, respectively.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

RKLB Stock Is Trading at a Premium

Rocket Lab is trading at a premium relative to the industry, with a forward 12-month price-to-sales of 36.61X compared with the industry average of 8.32X.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

RKLB Stock Price Performance

Over the past year, RKLB shares have surged 53.7% compared with the industry’s 7.7% growth.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

RKLB’s Zacks Rank

Rocket Lab currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here

The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. AI’s second wave is moving from infrastructure to implementation and these companies are at the forefront of this transition, positioned to become what Amazon and Google were to the internet era.

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

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research