Rocket Lab Enters Satellite Payloads Market With $275M Deal Amid Trump’s Golden Dome Push: Retail’s Elated

Rocket Lab USA (RKLB) stock rose 2.7% in premarket trade on Wednesday after the company agreed to acquire missile sensor system provider Geost from private-equity firm ATL Partners’ unit for $275 million.

Through the deal, expected to close in the second half of 2025, Rocket Lab is set to enter the lucrative satellite payload segment and bolster its position as an end-to-end provider of national security space solutions.

Geost makes advanced electro-optical and infrared sensor systems for missile warning and tracking, tactical intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, Earth observation, and space domain awareness.

The wide portfolio of offerings could improve the company’s chances of being part of the Golden Dome Missile Defense system, proposed by Trump.

Once operational, the system is expected to be able to intercept missiles, even those launched from the other end of the world or space.

According to Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates, the U.S. would need to shell out as much as $542 billion over 20 years to develop and launch the space interceptors.

“These technologies enable spacecraft that can detect, interpret, and respond to threats in real time, enhancing our role as a trusted provider of end-to-end space capabilities for the United States and its allies,” Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck said.

Geost, which has about 115 employees, has facilities in Tucson, Arizona, and northern Virginia.  

Retail sentiment on Stocktwits was in the ‘extremely bullish’ (86/100) territory, while retail chatter was ‘extremely high.’

“RKLB is a rocket ride you don't wanna miss...it’s crushing it from satellite to launch,” one user said.

Rocket Lab stock has gained 13.1% year to date (YTD).

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