Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB) Announces Successful Qualification Testing for its Hungry Hippo

​Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) is one of the Best Aerospace Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On December 8, Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) announced that its Neutron launch vehicle’s innovative “Hungry Hippo” captive fairing successfully passed the qualification testing.

​Neutron is Rocket Lab Corporation’s (NASDAQ:RKLB) largest carbon composite rocket, which has the capacity to lift up to 13,000 kg. The rocket is planned to make its first flight in 2026 and represents one of the fastest developments of a commercial rocket. “Hungry Hippo” captive fairing is a fairing design for Neutron, which remains attached to the rocket’s first stage throughout launch and landing, enabling it to be reused.

Management noted the qualification testing included several tests, including but not limited to withstanding 275,000 pounds of force, quick opening and closing of fairing halves within 1.5 seconds, and integrated flight systems such as software and control hardware under realistic conditions. That said, Rocket Lab Corporation’s (NASDAQ:RKLB) now awaits the arrival of Hungry Hippo in Virginia, where the rocket will be assembled and undergo final pre-launch tests.

​Wall Street remains bullish on the stock with analysts’ 12-month average price target of $65, reflecting 26% upside from the current level. On November 25, the stock was reiterated with a Buy rating and a $63 price target by Ryan Koontz of Needham. Moreover, earlier on November 19, Ronald Epstein from Bank of America Securities also reiterated a Buy rating on the stock and raised the price target from $50 to $60.

​Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of delivering mission success.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.