Rocket Lab unveils Gauss electric satellite thruster system

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) introduced an electric satellite thruster system designed for high-volume production to address demand for satellite propulsion across commercial and national security constellations, according to a press release statement issued today.The announcement comes as the space technology company commands a market capitalization of $40.7 billion, though InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently overvalued relative to its Fair Value. The company has delivered a remarkable 269% return over the past year, reflecting growing investor enthusiasm for the commercial space sector.

The electric propulsion system, named Gauss, includes a Hall Thruster, Power Processing Unit and Propellant Management Assembly. The company has established a production line capable of manufacturing more than 200 thrusters annually.

"Proliferated constellations are now the norm for commercial and national security space users, but the propulsion systems needed to maneuver these spacecraft in orbit have simply not been reliably available at any kind of scale," said Peter Beck, founder and CEO.

The Gauss thruster produces higher specific impulse compared to traditional chemical propulsion systems, generating more thrust per unit of propellant. This efficiency allows spacecraft to carry less propellant while maintaining performance levels for missions including deep space exploration and satellite station-keeping.

The thruster features heaterless cathode technology for instantaneous start, magnetic shielding to reduce erosion and extend operational lifetime, and GaNFet-based electronics. The system uses xenon propellant, with krypton as an alternative option. The design is ITAR/EAR-free for LEO constellation applications.

Rocket Lab’s existing propulsion systems include the Rutherford engine for the Electron rocket, the Archimedes engine for the Neutron rocket, and the Curie engine for the Electron Kick Stage. The company has launched 850 Rutherford engines to space and its Curie engines have supported deployment of more than 200 spacecraft.

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab operates launch sites in New Zealand and Virginia. The company has deployed more than 250 payloads since its first orbital launch in January 2018.

In other recent news, Rocket Lab Corporation has completed its at-the-market equity offering program, which was initiated on March 17, 2026. The company sold 6,726,862 shares, resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $474 million before commissions and expenses. Additionally, Rocket Lab engaged in collared forward transactions involving 7,451,200 shares, with expected proceeds ranging from $474 million to $642 million.

In a separate development, Rocket Lab announced a multi-launch agreement with the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. This contract includes three additional Electron rocket missions, bringing the total number of Electron missions for iQPS to 15. Seven of these launches have been completed since 2023. This agreement marks the second multi-launch order from iQPS within six months.

Cantor Fitzgerald has reiterated its Overweight stock rating for Rocket Lab, maintaining a price target of $85.00 following the company’s announcement of the new contract.

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