Markets May 20, 2026

Space Stocks: RocketLab (RKLB) “Major Catalyst” Potential: Analysts

Key Takeaways

RocketLab (RKLB) stock has surged over 40% in the last 30 days
Wall Street is giving the stock plenty of attention, but analyst sentiment is mixed.
RKLB has “major catalyst” potential according to Cantor Fitzgerald, especially if its successful rocket launches continue this year.

RocketLab (RKLB) has shown stellar growth in the past month, surging over 40% since April 20. The space stock is drawing strong Wall Street attention after reporting record quarterly revenue earlier this month, and the gains extend back to April. Further, its 400% gains in the last year make RKLB one of the best performers in its sector, and analysts aren’t ignoring its success. Most recently, top Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Andres Sheppard said RocketLab RKLB still has further potential, with a “major catalyst” in the works.

Also Read: China Went From $1.3T to $693B in US Bonds as Moody’s Downgraded America

RocketLab (RKLB) Stock’s Potential Surge to End 2026, as told by Wall Street

The five star analyst for Cantor Fitzgerald has been bullish since RKLB’s latest earnings report beat forecasts. RocketLab’s Q1 2026 earnings on May 7, 2026 revealed a record-breaking revenue of $200.3 million (up 63.5% year-over-year) and an EPS loss of −$0.07 per share, matching consensus estimates and narrowing from previous losses. The rocket company has launched 87 rockets successfully in 2026 as well, more than all other American companies excluding SpaceX. Furthermore, Rocket Lab plans to launch 27 more rockets this year alone, including its first reusable Neutron rocket.

This is the big catalyst that Sheppard suggests could send RKLB stock flying higher. According to Sheppard, Rocket Lab’s upcoming Neutron launch remains one of the company’s biggest future growth drivers. For Fiscal 2026, Cantor Fitzgerald expects Rocket Lab to complete 27 launches across its Electron and Haste rockets. The launches are huge revenue drivers, and could continue setting RocketLab ahead of the space pack and competing with SpaceX.

Also Read: Nvidia NVDA: Wall Street Rates Stock a Buy Before Q1 Earnings

Speaking of Elon Musk’s space giant, analysts expect SpaceX to debut its IPO on the US stock market later this year. It is set to be one of the biggest IPO launches in history, and could even fuel competitor space stocks like RKLB higher as well. Combined with healthy competition and expected success for its Rockets, RKLB has all the potential to continue its explosive surge to close out 2026.

On the other hand, Wall Street isn’t unanimously bullish on RKLB. The average 12-month forecast on the Street, per TipRanks, is $100, which would imply a 20% decline from its current price. The latest stock forecast revision on Tuesday from Michael Leshock at KeyBanc didn’t do the space stock any favors. KeyBanc reiterated a hold rating on the stock, not cutting or pumping its existing stock forecast, unlike Cantor.