Rocket Lab USA (RKLB) will join the Nasdaq-100 Index before markets open on June 22, Nasdaq announced Thursday. The inclusion coincides with the company's production of its 100th Electron rocket and comes as institutional investors increase focus on the aerospace sector following SpaceX's public debut. SpaceX set its IPO price at $135 per share, raising $75 billion and achieving a valuation of approximately $1.8 trillion. Rocket Lab's addition to the Nasdaq-100 places it alongside technology giants including Nvidia (NVDA), Apple (AAPL), Amazon (AMZN), and Microsoft (MSFT). RKLB stock traded over 8% higher overnight ahead of Friday and has gained over 64% year-to-date.
Rocket Lab Joins Nasdaq-100 Index on June 22
Nasdaq announced the changes Thursday as part of its June 2026 review of the Nasdaq-100 Index. Rocket Lab will officially join the index before the market opens on June 22. The index inclusion comes during a period of heightened investor attention on the aerospace industry following the public debut of SpaceX.
Rocket Lab Produces 100th Electron Rocket
Rocket Lab's elevation to the Nasdaq-100 arrives as the company reaches the production of its 100th Electron rocket. Electron, its small-satellite rocket, has become a key part of the firm's business model, supporting frequent missions from launch facilities in both New Zealand and Virginia. The company has secured more than 70 contracted missions, including agreements extending several years into the future, with a backlog valued at $2.2 billion. Rocket Lab's addition of technologies from Motiv Space Systems and the rollout of its Gauss electric propulsion platform are designed to support satellite operators and reduce reliance on outside suppliers.
Nasdaq Revises Index Eligibility Rules for Large IPOs
Nasdaq adopted a revised methodology allowing certain newly listed mega-cap companies to qualify for index inclusion after a shorter waiting period than previously required. In the past, newly public companies usually had to trade for several months before they could be added to major stock indexes. Nasdaq changed that approach, allowing faster entry into the Nasdaq-100, while indexes like the S&P 500 still require companies to meet longer trading and operating history requirements before they can be included. Funds linked to Nasdaq benchmarks may gain access to newly public mega-cap companies sooner than products tied to other major market indexes.
Retail Sentiment Shifts to Bullish on Stocktwits
On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around the stock jumped to 'bullish' from 'bearish' territory the previous day. A user said, "All these getting added to Nasdaq 100 index.Beautiful combination. Wow!!" Another user said, "THIS IS GOING TO $150 TOMORROW."
FAQ
What did Rocket Lab announce on Thursday?
Nasdaq announced Thursday that Rocket Lab will join the Nasdaq-100 Index before markets open on June 22 as part of its June 2026 review.
How many Electron rockets has Rocket Lab produced?
Rocket Lab has produced its 100th Electron rocket, which coincides with its Nasdaq-100 inclusion. The company has secured more than 70 contracted missions with a backlog valued at $2.2 billion.
What changes did Nasdaq make to index eligibility rules?
Nasdaq adopted a revised methodology allowing certain newly listed mega-cap companies to qualify for Nasdaq-100 inclusion after a shorter waiting period than previously required, while the S&P 500 still requires longer trading and operating history.
