Rocket Lab USA Inc. has been busy this year.

In addition to its latest launches, the Long Beach aerospace company has scored contracts with Airbus and potentially with the U.S. Space Force. It also acquired Mynaric AG, a. Munich-based provider of laser optical communications terminals for air, space and mobile applications.

Rocket Lab founder and Chief Executive Peter Beck said the company is pursuing every part of the space value chain.

“We launch our own rockets, we build satellites in constellation volumes, and now we’re closing in on the final step and most valuable part of the space economy – operating our own constellations to provide data and services from space,” Beck said in statement. “Mynaric has paved the way in developing laser technology. Their team and technologies will make a compelling addition to our satellite component portfolio.”

Liang Sim, a senior adviser with Ann Arbor, Michigan-based aerospace consulting firm AeroDynamic Advisory, said that Rocket Lab is executing strongly with its small launch vehicle Electron, as it moves up to its medium launch vehicle, Neutron.

“That is their next big goal to get Neutron up and flying and compete against SpaceX’s Falcon 9,” Sim said. “I wouldn’t bet against Peter Beck and company. They are scrappy and strong and they execute well.”

SpaceX is the company that leads the country in the number of rocket launches a year. It was founded in 2002 by billionaire Elon Musk.

And if Neutron becomes a serious threat to the Falcon 9, SpaceX will respond with even more attractive offers, Sim said.

“Sweeter deals for customers, better contracts, terms and conditions and more scheduled availability, things like that,” he said.

Firm creates, launches rockets

Neutron, a rocket being built by Rocket Lab in Long Beach and other locations with final assembly in Virginia, is competing for the Defense Department’s national security missions for its National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 program.

Neutron is scheduled for its debut launch from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 3 in Virginia at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in the second half of the year, Rocket Lab said.

The Airbus contract is for Rocket Lab to provide 200 solar panels for a constellation of satellites from Eutelsat Group. The panels will be manufactured in New Mexico with delivery beginning next year.

“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Airbus by providing our world-leading space solar panels to power Eutelsat’s next-gen OneWeb constellation. This collaboration will see 100 more satellites equipped with Rocket Lab technology, ensuring dependable, cutting-edge solutions that advance global connectivity,” Brad Clevenger, vice president of space systems at Rocket Lab, said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Rocket Lab has now made 63 Electron launches.

The latest one “Finding Hot Wildfires Near You” is the third Electron launch completed within two weeks from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. The company is targeting more than 20 Electron launches this year.

The mission put up eight satellites for German wildfire and detection company OroraTech. 

“Finding Hot Wildfires Near You” launched within four months of contract signing in order to meet the time-sensitive requirements of OroraTech’s wildfire detection mission, according to a Rocket Lab release. 

“This launch is yet another showcase of the exceptional qualities of Electron and the Rocket Lab team: a quick and streamlined turnaround to get this important mission in space, precise deployment for optimal global wildfire monitoring, and responsive service that meets customer requirements,” Beck said in a statement.

“I’m proud of the team’s consistent performance as we aim for another record-breaking year in launch with Electron,” he added.