Rocket Lab Stock Gained 118% Over the Past Year. Is It Time to Buy?

Rocket Lab has surged 118% over the past year and is positioning itself as a major player in the space industry. The company achieved record launch contracts (31 in Q1 2026) and announced an $8 billion acquisition of Iridium Communications to expand into satellite communications. While the company shows strong growth metrics and government contracts, investors should be aware of its lack of profitability, high valuation (P/S ratio of 82), and stock volatility.