Rocket Lab USA Inc. (RKLB) shares plummeted 5.09% during intraday trading on Friday, as investors reassessed valuations across the space sector.

The decline comes amid increased scrutiny of space company valuations following SpaceX's recent initial public offering. Analysts note that Rocket Lab's shares had risen more than 50% this year prior to the selloff, leaving the company trading at valuation levels comparable to SpaceX on a price-to-sales basis at SpaceX's targeted valuation.

Market observers suggest the space industry is hitting a "reality wall" where initial hype is giving way to hard assessments of engineering challenges and business fundamentals. While Rocket Lab is recognized as one of only two companies that have successfully turned rocket science into a reliable commercial operation alongside SpaceX, investors appear concerned about whether current valuations reflect the actual growth potential and competitive landscape.