Four Launches From 100: Rocket Lab Gets a Bullish New Call, With Iridium and Mynaric Along for the Ride

Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) is on the verge of a significant milestone, and Wall Street has given the company a new bullish outlook. Raymond James recently upgraded RKLB to an Outperform rating and set a $80 price target, suggesting a potential 29% increase from the current price. The analyst cited several growth factors that tie Rocket Lab's success to two key acquisitions: Mynaric and Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:IRDM).

Rocket Lab completed its 16th Electron mission in 2026 on September 11, launching an Earth-observation satellite into a 500-kilometer low-Earth orbit. The company has since carried out another Electron mission on September 19, bringing its total launches to 96. This progress puts Rocket Lab on track to surpass its previous annual launch record of 21, set in 2025.

Analyst Brian Gesuale described Rocket Lab as an emerging, vertically integrated space platform that encompasses launch, spacecraft, components, payloads, and optical communications.

In the coming quarters, investors should monitor three key milestones. First, the successful delivery of Rocket Lab's medium-lift rocket, Neutron, by the fourth quarter, as it is a significant catalyst for growth. Second, the approval of the pending $8 billion acquisition of Iridium Communications Inc., which is expected to complete in mid-2027.

Lastly, the integration of Rocket Lab's existing business with the newly acquired assets and businesses, as this could prove challenging and may delay the company's path to positive free cash flow.