Rocket Lab Stock Rebounds 3% After 6-Day Slide as CEO Calls SpaceX 'Friendly Rival'

On Tuesday (July 15), Rocket Lab (RKLB) stock rebounded nearly 3% after a six-session losing streak, with CEO Peter Beck highlighting the company as one of the few proven commercial launch providers. In a BBC interview, Beck said commercial spaceflight remains exceptionally rare, noting that "despite billions of dollars and over 100 companies trying, there has actually only been two companies" to achieve reliable, regular launch services. He called SpaceX a "friendly rival" and emphasized Rocket Lab's integrated model spanning satellites, launch, and orbital services.

The company recently completed full-duration testing of its Archimedes Vacuum engine for the Neutron reusable rocket, targeting a first flight by Q4 2026. Rocket Lab also completed the U.S. Space Force's Victus Haze mission, delivering launch vehicle, spacecraft, and orbital operations under a single contract within 16 hours and 42 minutes of notification.