Rocket Lab has reported record first-quarter revenue of US$200 million (about NZ$336 million), driven by growing demand for its launch services as business picks up.
The New Zealand-founded rocket company, which is listed on the US Nasdaq, said it has secured 31 new launch contracts for its Electron and HASTE launch vehicles.
It said it now has more than 70 contracted missions lined up, with its backlog reaching a value of US$2.2 billion (NZ$3.7 billion).
Rocket Lab reported revenue growth of more than 63% compared with the same period last year, but still recorded a net loss of around US$45 million (NZ$75.6 million).
During the quarter, the company said it secured five new dedicated launch contracts for its upcoming Neutron rocket with a customer it has not named.
That follows a record US$190 million (NZ$319.2 million) contract with the United States Department of War, formerly the Department of Defence, to conduct a series of hypersonic test flights using its HASTE launch vehicle.
The first launch of the Neutron rocket is expected later this year from a launch site in the United States.
The company also finalised its acquisition of space robotics firm Motiv Space Systems during the quarter, saying it will add Mars-tested robotics capability to Rocket Lab for advanced planetary and national security missions.
Rocket Lab said it expects revenue to rise further in the second quarter, forecasting between US$225 million (NZ$378 million) and US$240 million (NZ$403.2 million).