The Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) announced today a $150 million conditional loan commitment with Rocket Lab USA, Inc., the principal operating subsidiary of Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ: RKLB) and a global leader in launch services and space systems. The loan would support Rocket Lab's efforts to increase the flight rate of its reusable Neutron rocket beyond first launch to meet growing commercial and national security demand for access to space.
OSC's conditional loan commitment to Rocket Lab is intended to support a critical national security priority: scaling America's space launch capabilities and supporting economic resiliency. The proposed loan would support faster vehicle delivery and processing and allow Rocket Lab to expand its fleet of maritime vessels with additional equipment for Neutron recovery and transport. It would also enable manufacturing upgrades to increase the production of composite structures and engines, and support infrastructure that would reduce turnaround time between launches once the reusable rocket makes its operational debut.
Rocket Lab's Neutron rocket is a reusable launch vehicle designed to deliver payloads of approximately 13,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit. Engineered for rapid constellation deployment, national security payloads, and future interplanetary missions, the Neutron rocket would provide the U.S. government with a capable new medium-lift launch platform, ensuring uninterrupted access to space.
"This conditional commitment would enable Rocket Lab to create more launch opportunities for commercial and government customers using its Neutron rocket and strengthen the United States' launch capacity with a repeatable and reliable new space launch platform," said Peter F. Anderson, Senior Vice President (Investments) at OSC.
The conditional loan commitment specifies additional steps that Rocket Lab must complete before financial close, including satisfying various financial, legal, technical, investment, due diligence, and other requirements.
"I applaud the Office of Strategic Capital for investing in critical space launch capabilities. President Trump's vision makes it clear that space superiority is vital to America's strength and security," said Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. "This OSC transaction supports that vision by building the resilient, capable domestic launch network required to safeguard our national security interests."
