If You'd Invested $10,000 in Rocket Lab Stock 3 Years Ago, Here's How Much You'd Have Today

Key Points

• Rocket Lab has delivered more than 800% returns over the past three years, with the bulk coming over the past 12 months.

• The company’s upcoming Neutron rocket could be a big catalyst for even more growth.

• The global space economy is expected to triple by 2035, and companies like Rocket Lab could fuel much of the growth.

• These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires ›

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) has taken investors on quite a roller coaster ride since its public debut, but the recent trajectory has been strong. In fact, if you had invested $10,000 in the stock three years ago, you'd have more than $92,500 today.

There are some good reasons for this stellar performance. For one thing, to call its Electron rocket a success would be an understatement. The company has launched 70 of these rockets, and with fantastic reliability. As a result of the Electron rocket's success, revenue has soared. Rocket Lab reported a 78% year-over-year revenue increase in 2024, and 2025 is shaping up to be another excellent year for growth.

Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue »

Image source: Getty Images.

In addition, there's also tremendous upside potential from the upcoming Neutron rocket, which can carry much higher payloads than the Electron (and therefore generate more revenue). The current timetable calls for a Neutron mission as early as next year, and the successful track record of the Electron is causing lots of investor optimism.

Could Rocket Lab have more room to climb?

To be sure, Rocket Lab is not a cheap stock. It trades for more than 45 times trailing-12-month revenue and is a long way off from profitability, even under the most optimistic estimates.

However, the potential of the space economy is absolutely enormous. According to research from McKinsey & Company, the space economy will be $1.8 trillion in size by 2035 -- roughly triple today's size, with commercial (non-government) companies expected to drive most of the growth.

One near-term story to keep an eye on is the upcoming test of the Neutron rocket, which is expected to happen before the end of the year. A successful test could be a massive catalyst for the stock, signaling to investors that a new surge in revenue growth is on the horizon.

Don’t miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity

Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you’ll want to hear this.

On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a “Double Down” stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you’re worried you’ve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it’s too late. And the numbers speak for themselves:

• Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you’d have $442,907!*
• Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you’d have $43,660!*
• Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you’d have $654,759!*

Right now, we’re issuing “Double Down” alerts for three incredible companies, available when you join Stock Advisor, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.

See the 3 stocks »

*Stock Advisor returns as of August 25, 2025

Matt Frankel has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.