Rocket Lab USA Inc., a global provider of launch and space systems, and Vector Acquisition Corporation, a special purpose acquisition company backed by technology investor Vector Capital, have made a merger agreement that will result in Rocket Lab becoming a publicly traded company. Vector will change its name to Rocket Lab USA Inc. and the combined company will trade under the Nasdaq ticker symbol “RKLB.”

Peter Beck, CEO and founder of Rocket Lab, said, “Since day one, our talented Rocket Lab team has demonstrated stellar execution and a keen ability to seize growth opportunities. Now, we are thrilled to build upon this momentum and welcome Alex Slusky, a seasoned technology investor and public company director, to our Board as we come together with Vector to become a publicly traded pure-play end-to-end space company. This milestone accelerates Rocket Lab’s ability to unlock the full potential of space through our launch and spacecraft platforms and catalyzes our ambition to create a new multi-billion-dollar business vertical in space applications.”

Following the closing of the transaction, the company will continue to be led by founder and CEO Peter Beck. Alex Slusky, CEO of Vector and CIO and founder of Vector Capital, will join Rocket Lab’s board of directors alongside Sven Strohband of Khosla Ventures, David Cowan of Bessemer Venture Partners, Matt Ocko of DCVC and Mike Griffin, independent director.

Kirkland & Ellis advised Vector Acquisition Corporation.