Rocket Lab Corporation launched the STP‑S30 mission on December 18, 2025 from Launch Complex 2 at the Mid‑Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island, Virginia. The Electron rocket deployed four DiskSat spacecraft into a 550‑kilometer low‑Earth orbit for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Test Program, marking the company’s 20th launch of 2025 and its 78th overall.
The launch was completed five months ahead of the originally scheduled April 2026 window, underscoring Rocket Lab’s ability to deliver responsive launch services for national‑security customers. The 20th mission of the year and the 78th overall demonstrate a sustained increase in launch cadence, with four national‑security launches from LC‑2 in the past three months alone.
The payload, DiskSat satellites, represent a new class of flat, wide‑body small satellites that offer greater power and surface area for instruments while retaining CubeSat‑style mass and volume. Their design enables more advanced payloads and electric‑propulsion‑based orbit‑change capabilities, positioning the Space Force to test cutting‑edge technologies in a realistic space environment.
Financially, Rocket Lab’s Q3 2025 results showed revenue of $155.1 million, up 47.97% from the same quarter a year earlier, and an EPS of –$0.03, beating the consensus estimate of –$0.05. The company’s gross margin improved to 37% GAAP, reflecting stronger launch demand and disciplined cost management. A $1.1 billion backlog, with 57% expected to convert within 12 months, supports continued revenue growth, while the company remains unprofitable but maintains a robust liquidity position.
Market reaction to the launch was largely positive, driven by the successful, accelerated execution of a high‑profile national‑security mission and the company’s strong Q3 earnings beat. Insider selling by CEO Peter Beck in mid‑December tempered the enthusiasm, but the overall sentiment remained supportive of Rocket Lab’s operational execution and growth trajectory.
Management emphasized that the STP‑S30 success reinforces Rocket Lab’s reputation for speed and reliability. The company is also advancing its Neutron rocket program, with the first launch slated for Q1 2026, and continues to expand its launch services and space systems businesses to capture additional market share in the small‑satellite and national‑security segments.
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