**Rocket Lab (RKLB) shares closed at $65.71 on October 12, 2026, down 3.7% amid broader market moves and after pulling back from early-October levels near $75–78.** Trader focus centers on the record $2.36 billion backlog (up 137% year-over-year as of June 30), boosted by the late-September 20-mission Electron contract with Synspective that pushed total launch bookings past 100. ARK Invest’s continued accumulation of roughly 1.3 million shares since late August underscores institutional conviction in long-term launch demand and the Neutron medium-lift vehicle, even as the stock trades at roughly 44 times forward sales and the company guides for continued cash burn. Q3 revenue guidance of $250–265 million and the November 9 earnings release, alongside Neutron pad-delivery timing, remain key near-term catalysts that could influence weekly price action.