EXCLUSIVE: Rocket Lab Vs. Space X – ‘Nobody Does Small Launch Better Than Us,’ Says RKLB CEO Peter Beck

• Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck positioned Rocket Lab as a diversified space infrastructure provider rather than a pure launch competitor.
• He said the company is expanding across launch, satellite systems, and in-orbit services to build a broader business model.
• Rocket Lab unveiled its ‘Gauss’ propulsion system earlier this week to address growing satellite constellation demand.

Rocket Lab Corp. (RKLB) CEO Peter Beck said Thursday the company is not a direct competitor to SpaceX, describing the two businesses as “very separate” in focus and strategy.

“We have two very separate companies doing separate things,” he told Stocktwits in an exclusive interview. “If you want a completely direct answer, I mean, nobody does small launch better than us.” 

According to Beck, one of the key differences between SpaceX and Rocket Lab is that the former is focused on providing services from orbit, whereas Rocket Lab is looking to build a complete portfolio of projects.

So we sell the picks and shovels for everybody else to mine their gold. And also, ultimately, we'll own our own gold mine as well.

– Peter Beck, Chief Executive Officer, Rocket Lab Corp.

Rocket Lab’s Strategy Focuses On Building A Full Space Ecosystem

Beck said that there is a “big market opportunity” in having a larger focus and providing tools so that others can launch their missions successfully. 

“What we're trying to do here is obviously have our own clear path in those services in orbit, but along the way, provide for everybody else,” he told Stocktwits. “We're building a long-term, multi-generational, sustainable space business that is not just directed on one thing, where it's diversified across a complete portfolio of projects and systems and everything else.”

How Are Retail Traders Feeling About RKLB Stock?

RKLB’s stock rose more than 8% at market open, while retail sentiment around the company improved to ‘bullish’ from ‘neutral’ territory over the past day. Chatter stayed at ‘normal’ levels.  Retail sentiment around SpaceX, which is not publicly listed yet, trended in ‘bearish’ territory over the past day.

The uptick in sentiment around RKLB’s stock came after Rocket Lab announced a new electric satellite propulsion system on Wednesday, called ‘Gauss’, designed to fulfill growing constellation demand in commercial and national security space missions. 

Retail traders on Stocktwits called Rocket Lab “SpaceX Lite” and forecast that RKLB’s stock could see a boost from the SpaceX initial public offering (IPO), expected in the summer.

RKLB’s stock has gained over 4% year-to-date and more than quadrupled in value over the past 12 months. 

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