Rocket Lab Adds Mars-Proven Robotics Capabilities with Completion of Motiv Space Systems Acquisition

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Acquisition brings Mars heritage for complex planetary missions, as well as precision mechanisms essential for next-generation space infrastructure including orbital data centers and constellationsLONG BEACH, Calif., May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has completed the acquisition of Motiv Space Systems (“Motiv”), a California-based company specializing in space robotics, motion control systems, and precision mechanisms for spacecraft. Motiv – now rebranded as Rocket Lab Robotics – brings mission-tested Mars heritage and is renowned for its advanced multi-degree of freedom robotic arms, actuators, and drive electronics that have enabled some of the most ambitious planetary exploration missions in history, including NASA's Mars Perseverance rover, the CADRE lunar rovers, and precision mechanisms supporting critical scientific instruments and spacecraft subsystems. The acquisition establishes Rocket Lab as one of the few companies in the world capable of delivering end-to-end Mars mission solutions including launch, spacecraft, software, and Mars-proven robotics for surface and on-orbit operations. This unique capability positions Rocket Lab to lead programs like a commercial Mars Sample Return mission and NASA’s Mars Telecommunications Network, as well as other high-value planetary exploration programs. It also enables Rocket Lab to expand into significant national security applications requiring autonomous robotics in contested or remote environments. Beyond planetary missions, the acquisition addresses rapidly emerging market opportunities in space-based infrastructure including orbital data centers and mega constellations. Rocket Lab Robotics brings in-house the design and manufacturing of critical spacecraft mechanisms such as solar array drive assemblies (SADAs), antenna and propulsion gimbals, filter wheels, focus mechanisms, and precision drive electronics, completing a key element of Rocket Lab's strategy to manufacture satellites at constellation scale and support emerging high-power orbital infrastructure. Orbital data centers are poised to revolutionize cloud computing, AI processing, and data storage in space, but they will require unprecedented power generation capabilities, demanding 100 kilowatts or more from solar arrays. These high...

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