Rocket Lab USA, Inc. is a leading aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider, offering dedicated orbital access to government and commercial customers. Founded in 2006 by engineer Peter Beck in New Zealand, the company has grown into a dual‐headquartered enterprise with facilities in Long Beach, California, and Auckland, New Zealand. Focused on reducing the cost and complexity of space missions, Rocket Lab operates bespoke launch vehicles and develops end‐to‐end satellite solutions for a diverse global market.
The company’s flagship vehicle, Electron, is a two‐stage, carbon composite launch rocket designed to deliver small payloads into low Earth orbit. Electron’s Rutherford engines, notable for their electric pump‐fed architecture, power missions typically carrying payloads of up to 300 kilograms. To broaden its service offerings, Rocket Lab introduced the Photon satellite bus, a versatile spacecraft platform that can be customized for missions including Earth observation, scientific research, and communications.
Beyond launch services and spacecraft manufacturing, Rocket Lab’s space systems division provides propulsion, avionics, and mission management support. The company’s Kick Stage, an upper module enabling precision orbital deployment, has completed multiple missions, demonstrating fine control over satellite insertion. Additionally, Rocket Lab is advancing its Neutron medium‐lift rocket to meet growing demand for larger payloads and potential human spaceflight missions.
Serving clients across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, Rocket Lab has conducted over 30 successful launches for commercial operators, research institutions, and national space agencies. Led by founder and CEO Peter Beck, the company employs engineers and specialists in rocketry, satellite engineering, and space mission operations. With an emphasis on rapid launch cadence and scalable manufacturing, Rocket Lab continues to expand its footprint in the burgeoning small satellite and space systems markets.
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