Rocket Lab, a growing competitor to SpaceX, has been selected by the U.S. Space Force to compete for high-priority national security satellite launches. Rocket Lab Joins The Race For National Security Launches The company was chosen as part of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program,

Shares of Rocket Lab USA rose 9.7% in extended trading after the announcement. The contract enables the company to compete for future U.S. national security launch missions. Rocket Lab and Stoke Space will each receive a $5 million order to conduct initial capability assessment.

Key Takeaways Rocket Lab shares climbed Friday after the U.S. Space Force selected the space rocket company to join its $5.6 billion National Security Space Launch program.Under the program, Rocket Lab and four other launch providers can compete for missions,