** Shares of space services firm Rocket Lab RKLB.O up 2.9% at $71.11 before the bell on Weds after winning $266 mln contract from U.S. Air Force

** The contract provides for launch of 12 suborbital vehicles, with six optional launches

** Work to be performed at Pacific Spaceport Complex, Alaska, and expected to be completed by end of 2028

** Long Beach, California-based RKLB last month struck an $8 bln deal to acquire satellite communications provider Iridium Communications IRDM.O, aiming to take on SpaceX SPCX.O

** At Tues close, RKLB shares down ~1% YTD and off 54% from record intraday high of $151 achieved on May 27

** 17 of 21 analysts rate the stock "strong buy" or "buy", 4 "hold"; median PT of $120 up from $105 a month ago and $88 on Apr 22, per LSEG data