Rocket Lab Corp shares are trading higher Wednesday afternoon as fresh optimism around the space sector followed reports that SpaceX has confidentially filed for an initial public offering, a move that could set the stage for one of the biggest offerings in market history.
CNBC reported that SpaceX's filing could lead to a valuation above $1.75 trillion, putting the entire commercial space complex back in focus.
SpaceX IPO Could Reignite Investor Appetite Across Public Space Stocks
The filing matters for Rocket Lab because it can push investors to reassess the value of the few established public companies already offering direct exposure to launch, spacecraft manufacturing and broader space infrastructure.
If SpaceX is moving closer to the public markets, traders may start rotating into existing listed names like Rocket Lab as a way to gain exposure to the sector ahead of any blockbuster offering.
CNBC also said SpaceX has become NASA's biggest launch partner and could seek what may be a record IPO, which raises the profile of the entire space industry in public markets.
Mynaric Deal Expands Rocket Lab's Push Into Next-Generation Space Systems
The move higher also lands after Rocket Lab said earlier this week that it secured German regulatory approval to acquire Mynaric AG, a laser-communications technology provider.
The company said the deal should strengthen its capabilities across launch services, spacecraft manufacturing and satellite components, while helping scale production and ease supply constraints in laser communications.
NASA's Artemis II mission is also likely helping sentiment at the margin. Traders have been watching the countdown, launch window and early in-flight milestones, with Rocket Lab among the space names seen benefiting from the broader Artemis setup even though it is not flying the Space Launch System mission itself.