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CNBC • Samantha Subin

Rocket Lab boosts Q1 momentum—record revenue, Neutron progress, and acquisition of Motiv Space Systems

Rocket Lab reported record quarterly revenue in Q1 2026 and highlighted momentum behind its Neutron launch vehicle. The company also signed a definitive deal to acquire California robotics specialist Motiv Space Systems, adding space-grade robotic arms, motion control and precision mechanisms—including solar array drive components—for satellite manufacturing.

2026-05-08T14:20:22.810713-07:00

European Spaceflight

The Exploration Company completes hot-fire test campaign for Huracan lunar lander engine

2026-05-07T07:50:44.970360-07:00

SpaceNews.com

Skyroot Aerospace becomes India’s first space “unicorn,” raising $60M and topping a $1.1B valuation ahead of its first private o

2026-05-07T04:55:32.056446-07:00

Ars Technica

SpaceX ramps Vandenberg cadence with Starlink mission 17-29, now its busiest launch site for 2026

2026-05-06T16:03:06.625023-07:00

News Timeline

CNBC

Rocket Lab boosts Q1 momentum—record revenue, Neutron progress, and acquisition of Motiv Space Systems Rocket Lab reported record quarterly revenue in Q1 2026 and highlighted momentum behind its Neutron launch vehicle. The company also signed a definitive deal to acquire California robotics specialist Motiv Space Systems, adding space-grade robotic arms, motion control and precision mechanisms—including solar array drive components—for satellite manufacturing.

2026-05-08T14:20:22.810713-07:00

Rocket Lab boosts Q1 momentum—record revenue, Neutron progress, and acquisition of Motiv Space Systems

Spaceflight Now

Rocket Lab locks in five Neutron launches via block sale to a “secret customer” as Neutron heads toward a late-2026 debut Rocket Lab has announced a block sale covering five Neutron rocket launches plus three Electron flights to a confidential customer. The deal adds to Rocket Lab’s launch commitments while the company continues to target a late-2026 debut for Neutron.

2026-05-07T15:54:17.626320-07:00

Rocket Lab locks in five Neutron launches via block sale to a “secret customer” as Neutron heads toward a late-2026 debut

SpaceNews.com

Rocket Lab, with Raytheon, tapped for U.S. Space Force Space Based Interceptor demo under Golden Dome Rocket Lab says it has been selected, in partnership with Raytheon, to demonstrate “advanced capabilities” for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Based Interceptor program. The Pentagon-related award is tied to the Trump administration’s Golden Dome missile-defense initiative and an accelerating push to broaden hypersonic testing.

2026-05-07T15:27:26.182649-07:00

Rocket Lab, with Raytheon, tapped for U.S. Space Force Space Based Interceptor demo under Golden Dome

European Spaceflight

The Exploration Company completes hot-fire test campaign for Huracan lunar lander engine The Exploration Company says it has completed its Huracan rocket engine hot-fire test campaign, aimed at powering the company’s future lunar lander. The milestone advances development toward integration and subsequent flight readiness for its Moon mission plans.

2026-05-07T07:50:44.970360-07:00

The Exploration Company completes hot-fire test campaign for Huracan lunar lander engine

SpaceNews.com

Starfighters hires ex–Blue Origin New Glenn managers to speed air-launch flight demos Starfighters Space has brought on two former Blue Origin New Glenn managers to support its air-launch system as it pushes toward flight demonstrations and an operational launch cadence. The hires signal an acceleration push on execution talent for an air-launched approach to reaching orbit.

2026-05-07T05:33:56.952620-07:00

Starfighters hires ex–Blue Origin New Glenn managers to speed air-launch flight demos

SpaceNews.com

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Skyroot Aerospace becomes India’s first space “unicorn,” raising $60M and topping a $1.1B valuation ahead of its first private o Skyroot Aerospace has secured a $60 million funding round from GIC, Sherpalo Ventures and BlackRock, valuing the company at $1.1 billion. The valuation more than doubled since 2023 as Skyroot prepares for India’s first private orbital launch attempt.

2026-05-07T04:55:32.056446-07:00

Skyroot Aerospace becomes India’s first space “unicorn,” raising $60M and topping a $1.1B valuation ahead of its first private o

SpaceNews.com

Speed over price in national security contracting: smallsat propulsion firms face faster delivery clocks Stellar Exploration’s experience building, testing and delivering a small satellite propulsion system in roughly three years underscores a key shift in national security contracting decisions: speed is increasingly prioritized over lowest cost. The implied trade-off is tighter delivery schedules as procurement officials seek operational readiness sooner.

2026-05-07T04:30:26.928719-07:00

Speed over price in national security contracting: smallsat propulsion firms face faster delivery clocks

Ars Technica

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SpaceX ramps Vandenberg cadence with Starlink mission 17-29, now its busiest launch site for 2026 SpaceX is increasing its West Coast tempo at Vandenberg Space Force Base, which is set to become its busiest launch site for now. Mission 17-29 launches 24 Starlink satellites, marking the 44th dedicated constellation flight of 2026 from Vandenberg SFB.

2026-05-06T16:03:06.625023-07:00

SpaceX ramps Vandenberg cadence with Starlink mission 17-29, now its busiest launch site for 2026

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Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation News

Rocket Lab boosts Q1 momentum—record revenue, Neutron progress, and acquisition of Motiv Space Systems

The Exploration Company completes hot-fire test campaign for Huracan lunar lander engine

Skyroot Aerospace becomes India’s first space “unicorn,” raising $60M and topping a $1.1B valuation ahead of its first private o

SpaceX ramps Vandenberg cadence with Starlink mission 17-29, now its busiest launch site for 2026

News Timeline