Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (RKLB) shares plummeted 5.7% during Tuesday's pre-market session, following a steep decline of 11.84% in the previous intraday trading. The aerospace company's stock had skyrocketed by a staggering 155% in November, driven by strong third-quarter earnings and continued growth in its space systems and launch services businesses.

However, the recent plunge is likely a result of investors cashing in on profits after the substantial run-up in RKLB's share price. According to reports, the sell-off was part of a broader decline in the aerospace and defense sector, with several other companies like Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and Intuitive Machines also experiencing double-digit drops.

While Rocket Lab's strong fundamentals and growth prospects fueled the November surge, the sharp pullback suggests that investors are taking a breather and booking gains after the stock's meteoric rise. As the company continues to execute on its business plans, market sentiment may stabilize, providing further clarity on the stock's long-term trajectory.