Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) has become an important launch provider for Japan’s growing small satellite sector. The company has built strong relationships with major Japanese space enterprises, playing a key role in accelerating the deployment of satellite constellations. Although Rocket Lab’s (NASDAQ:RKLB) launches for Japanese customers typically occur from its Mahia, New Zealand facility, the service is becoming integral to Japan’s satellite program development.
“If you look at all the projected launches and the launches we’ve done for Japan, it represents nearly one-third of the entire Electron manifest.” CEO Peter Beck told Nikkei Asian Review.
“Across the whole Asia-Pacific region, there’s an increasing understanding that space is very important, both for security and as an opportunity for the economy,” added Beck. Importantly, Rocket Lab (RKLB) expects other Asian countries will follow Japan’s lead.
Currently, some of the players in the Japan space industry include Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (OTCPK:MHVYF) (OTCPK:MHVIY), Ariane Group, SpaceX (SPACE), Canon Electronics-affiliated Space One, Toyota (TM)-backed Interstellar Technologies, and a research unit of Honda Motor (HMC), which conducted a vertical takeoff and landing test on June 17.
Shares of Rocket Lab (RKLB) rose 1.5% in premarket trading on Wednesday and are up more than 70% on a year-to-date basis. Short interest on the stock stands at 11.6% of the total float.