SPACE INDEX COMPANIES INSIGHTS SECTORS PRODUCTS NEWS BLOG ANSWERS RESEARCH ABOUT FOR COMPANIES BUILD / 2026.06.04
Magdrive logo Magdrive Develops high-thrust electric plasma propulsion systems for satellites and spacecraft using pulsed power and solid metal propellant vs Rocket Lab USA Rocket Lab USA logo
HEAD-TO-HEAD1 shared sector
Magdrive Rocket Lab USA
Founded 2020 2006
Headquarters United Kingdom Long Beach, California
Type private public
Status operating operating
Employees 37 1,627
Total funding $10.5M
Latest round Seed
Sectors Space Propulsion, Satellite Components & Subsystems Launch Services, Satellite Components & Subsystems, Satellite Manufacturing
Products listed 3 16
Federal contracts 1 ($7.0M)
Launches 130 (65%)
Leaders listed Mark Stokes, Dr Thomas Clayson, Harald Nieder Sir Peter Beck, Adam Spice, Frank Klein
News mentions 0 0
SHARED SECTORS
FREQUENTLY ASKED

How do Magdrive and Rocket Lab USA compare?

Both companies work in Satellite Components & Subsystems. Magdrive was founded in 2020 and Rocket Lab USA in 2006.

Which is larger, Magdrive or Rocket Lab USA?

Rocket Lab USA reports the larger workforce, with 1,627 employees versus 37.

Which has more US federal contracts, Magdrive or Rocket Lab USA?

Rocket Lab USA has been awarded more, with $7.0M across 1 awards.

Which has more launches, Magdrive or Rocket Lab USA?

Rocket Lab USA leads with 130 tracked launches (65% success rate).

Numbers refresh on every render against the live Space Index database. Federal contract data from USAspending.gov; launches from LaunchLibrary2.