Rocket Lab shares rise 6.32% intraday after securing $816M U.S. Space Force satellite contract.

Rocket Lab surged 6.32% intraday following a $816 million U.S. Space Development Agency contract to build 18 missile defense satellites and a Morgan Stanley upgrade to "Overweight" with a $105 price target. The analyst cited the company’s execution in the medium-lift launch market and recent successful Electron rocket launches, which surpassed 80 missions. These developments reinforced investor confidence in Rocket Lab’s operational capabilities and growth potential, despite ongoing risks from Neutron rocket testing delays and NASA funding cuts.