Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) has entered an at-the-market equity distribution agreement allowing the company to sell up to $1 billion in common stock over time. The move gives the company flexibility to scale production and infrastructure around its $816 million Space Development Agency contract to build 18 missile-warning satellites. This move significantly expands Rocket Lab's financial firepower for long-cycle defense and space programs. The deal adds to an earlier $515 million SDA Transport Layer-Beta Tranche 2 contract for another 18 satellites, contributing to the company's growing role in the Pentagon's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. The company's shares have risen over 300% over the past year.