Rocket Lab Corporation announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026, reporting record revenue and a significant increase in its backlog. The company reported total revenues of $267.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2026, representing a 73% increase year-over-year. This figure was $34 million higher than the second quarter of 2026.
The company’s backlog grew to approximately $3.57 billion as of September 30, 2026, a 52% increase since the end of the prior quarter. A substantial portion of this backlog, nearly $1 billion, consists of new launch contracts signed during the third quarter, alongside $470 million in contracts for Space Systems. The launch backlog has reached a record total of 117 launches.
On the balance sheet, Rocket Lab reported cash and cash equivalents of $4.45 billion as of September 30, 2026. The company also generated positive GAAP operating cash flow of $7.2 million for the quarter. In terms of operations, Rocket Lab successfully launched twelve spacecraft to orbit during the quarter, including platforms for Globalstar and twin spacecraft for NASA’s Mars science missions.
Looking ahead to the fourth quarter of 2026, Rocket Lab provided guidance expecting revenue between $270 million and $290 million. The company also forecasted GAAP gross margins between 34% and 36% and non-GAAP gross margins between 39% and 41%. Additionally, the company expects an adjusted EBITDA loss of between $14 million and $20 million for the quarter.
