Rocket Lab angled higher Wednesday after announcing a new multi-launch deal. AST SpaceMobile rallied on a commercial agreement with Verizon.
SpaceX launch rival Rocket Lab on Tuesday announced it signed another multi-launch deal with Japan-based satellite manufacturer, Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS). The deal makes Rocket Lab the primary launch provider to deploy iQPS' commercial Earth-imaging constellation.
The contract includes three missions for Rocket Lab's Electron rocket, which will launch no earlier than 2026 from the company's Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand.
Each is expected to deploy a single synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite from Rocket Lab's Motorized Lightband separation system. Rocket Lab says the missions will demonstrate its vertical integration across launch and space systems, which "improves reliability and streamlines the launch process for customers."
iQPS previously booked four Electron missions, bringing its total number of upcoming Rocket Lab launches to seven. The company successfully deployed four satellites with Rocket Lab already this year, iQPS CEO Dr. Shunsuke Onishi said.
Rocket Lab's next launch for iQPS is scheduled for November, with further details expected in the coming days. The SpaceX rival said it has increased its prediction and launch cadence to meet demand for over 20 launches this year.
Rocket Lab Stock
Rocket Lab stock jumped 6.2% Wednesday to extend its record highs.
RKLB shares are extended from a cup-with-handle breakout in mid-September, finally cleared decisively last Friday. Shares are up 156.4% this year.
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AST SpaceMobile-Verizon Deal
AST SpaceMobile rallied early Wednesday after the space-based cellular broadband provider announced a commercial agreement with Verizon. According to the deal, AST SpaceMobile will provide direct-to-cellular service when needed for Verizon customers starting in 2026.
The service is expected to expand Verizon's network, which will enable cellular customers to "stay connected wherever they are, from hiking trails to city centers and everywhere in between."
AST SpaceMobile operates the largest commercial communications array deployed in low Earth orbit. The company's network can connect to everyday smartphones, without the need for special equipment, and is designed to operate across different spectrums.
Barclays last week hiked its price target on ASTS stock, noting improvement in the company's medium-term outlook. The firm noted that T-Mobile and SpaceX's Starlink launched a text-only service for $10 per month. AST's products will be a greater offering, with call, text and broadband, which could see higher price points. Barclays raised its price target on ASTS stock to 60 from 37 and kept an overweight rating on the shares.
AST SpaceMobile popped 8.6% Wednesday, also extending its record highs. Shares broke out from a cup-with-handle base on Oct. 1 and cleared a 56.73 entry.
ASTS stock has soared nearly 285% in 2025.
Verizon stock inched lower Wednesday on the news.
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