Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) experienced a notable increase in stock value on December 18, 2025, after successfully completing its STP-S30 mission, aptly titled “Don’t Be Such A Square.” This mission was conducted for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command and underscores Rocket Lab’s capability to provide low-cost, reliable, and responsive launch services essential for national security.
Strategic Contributions to National Defense
This successful launch marks Rocket Lab’s fourth from Launch Complex 2 (LC-2) in the past three months, all aimed at supporting the Department of Defense’s objectives concerning space technology. Notably, Rocket Lab delivered this mission five months ahead of schedule, significantly contributing to advancements in technologies vital for preserving U.S. leadership in space. The company accelerated the launch timeline from its original target of April 2026, demonstrating its industry-leading responsive launch capabilities.
The mission took place at Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 2 at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport located on Wallops Island, Virginia. The Electron rocket lifted off at 12:03 a.m. ET (05:03 UTC), successfully deploying four DiskSat spacecraft into a 550-kilometer low Earth orbit. These satellites were developed by The Aerospace Corporation and managed by the Space Systems Command’s System Delta 89, under the leadership of Lt. Col. Cesar Rodriguez, with funding from NASA’s Small Spacecraft & Distributed Systems program.
Significant Milestones Achieved
“Don’t Be Such A Square” represents the Electron rocket’s 20th launch of the year and its 78th mission overall, further extending Rocket Lab’s record for annual launches to unprecedented levels. Sir Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, emphasized the company’s commitment to meeting the space access demands of the U.S. Space Force. He stated, “We’re meeting the space access demands of the U.S. Space Force with our consistent execution, and this launch is another proud moment in Rocket Lab’s long history of successful missions for defense, national security, and commercial space users.”
Lt. Col. Brian Shimek, Director of the Department of War Space Test Program, expressed pride in the collaboration between Rocket Lab, the Capability Development Branch, NASA, The Aerospace Corporation, and the Rocket Systems Launch Program. He highlighted the importance of proving advanced technologies in a space environment as crucial for their integration into future operational systems for the Space Force, ensuring that the nation maintains its competitive edge in space.
As a result of the successful launch, Rocket Lab shares rose by 1.17% during premarket trading, reaching a price of $54.59, according to Benzinga Pro data. This upward movement in stock price reflects investor confidence in Rocket Lab’s ongoing contributions to national defense and its growing position in the aerospace industry.
