Rocket Lab shares hit record high after beating Q1 revenue estimates and landing biggest launch deal.

Rocket Lab's stock surged 30% to a record high after the company exceeded first-quarter revenue estimates, reporting $136.7 million in space systems revenue and $63.7 million in launch revenue, surpassing FactSet's expectations. The company's backlog more than doubled to $2.2 billion, and it announced its largest launch contract ever with a confidential customer through 2029. Rocket Lab is also acquiring space robotics firm Motiv Space Systems and preparing for the first launch of its Neutron rocket. This strong performance reflects growing demand in the space economy, boosted by projects like President Trump's Golden Dome and NASA's Artemis missions, as well as anticipation for SpaceX's upcoming IPO.