Rocket Lab Stock Plunge Tied to SpaceX Launch Expansion
Rocket Lab USA shares tumbled 12% Wednesday amid regulatory approval for SpaceX to double Falcon 9 launches from Florida. The selloff appears reactionary - Wall Street maintains bullish targets, with the dip potentially offering entry opportunities.
The FAA's expanded launch authorization strengthens SpaceX's first-mover advantage against Rocket Lab's forthcoming Neutron rocket. While no direct causality exists, market psychology often conflates competitors' developments with sector-wide implications.
Year-to-date gains exceeding 70% remain intact despite the pullback. Analyst consensus suggests Rocket Lab's specialized small-launch capabilities and satellite solutions maintain distinct market positioning.