Rocket Lab USA (RKLB) 8-K Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

Exhibit 14.1

ROCKET LAB USA, INC.

CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT & ETHICS

I. INTRODUCTION

Purpose and Scope

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (the “Company” or “Rocket Lab USA”) adopted this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (this “Code”) to aid the Company’s directors, officers and employees in making ethical and legal decisions when conducting the Company’s business and performing their day-to-day duties. This Code applies to all directors, officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, and for purposes of this Code, the term “Company” refers collectively to the Company and its subsidiaries.

The Board has delegated to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board (the “NCG Committee”) responsibility for administering the Code. The Board has delegated day-to-day responsibility for administering and interpreting the Code to an officer, employee or consultant that it may designate from time to time (the “Compliance Officer”). Our General Counsel has been appointed as the Company’s initial Compliance Officer under this Code.

The Company expects its directors, officers and employees to exercise reasonable judgment when conducting the Company’s business. The Company encourages its directors, officers and employees to refer to this Code frequently to ensure that they are acting within both the letter and the spirit of this Code. If you have questions or concerns about this Code, the Company encourages you to speak with your supervisor (if applicable) or with the Compliance Officer under this Code.

Contents of this Code

This Code has two sections that follow this Introduction. The first section, “Standards of Conduct,” contains the actual guidelines that our directors, officers and employees are expected to adhere to in the conduct of the Company’s business. The second section, “Compliance Procedures,” contains specific information about how this Code functions, including who administers this Code, who can provide guidance under this Code and how violations may be reported, investigated and disciplined. This second section also contains a discussion about waivers of and amendments to this Code.

A Note Regarding Other Obligations

The Company’s directors, officers and employees generally have other legal and contractual obligations to the Company. This Code is not intended to reduce or limit the other obligations that you may have to the Company. Instead, the standards in this Code should be viewed as the minimum standards that the Company expects from its directors, officers and employees in the conduct of its business.

II.    STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Overview

The Company understands that this Code will not contain the answer to every situation you may encounter or every concern you may have about conducting the Company’s business ethically and legally; however, a good rule to follow is to consider whether you would feel comfortable if your potential actions or dealings were made public – if the answer is no, you should reconsider following through on them and consult with your supervisor or the Compliance Officer if you have any questions.

Conflicts of Interest

The Company recognizes and respects the right of its directors, officers and employees to engage in outside activities that they may deem proper and desirable, provided that these activities do not impair or interfere with the performance of their duties to the Company or their ability to act in the Company’s best interests. In most, if not all, cases this will mean that our directors, officers and employees must avoid situations that present a potential or actual conflict between their personal interests and the Company’s interests.

A “conflict of interest” occurs when a director’s, officer’s or employee’s personal interest interferes with the Company’s interests. Conflicts of interest may arise in many situations. For example, conflicts of interest can arise when a director, officer or employee takes an action or has an outside interest, responsibility or obligation that may make it difficult for him or her to perform the responsibilities of his or her position objectively and/or effectively in the Company’s best interests. Conflicts of interest may also occur when a director, officer or employee or his or her immediate family member receives some personal benefit (whether improper or not) as a result of the director’s, officer’s or employee’s position with the Company. Each individual’s situation is different and in evaluating his or her own situation, a director, officer or employee will have to consider many factors.

Any material transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest should be reported promptly to the Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer may notify the Board or its NCG Committee as he or she deems appropriate. Actual or potential conflicts of interest involving a director or executive officer other than the Compliance Officer should be disclosed directly to the Compliance Officer. Actual or potential conflicts of interest involving the Compliance Officer should be disclosed directly to the Chief Financial Officer.

Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations

The Company seeks to conduct its business in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. No director, officer or employee shall engage in any unlawful activity in conducting the Company’s business or in performing his or her day-to-day Company duties, nor should he or she instruct others to do so.

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Protection and Proper Use of the Company’s Assets

The Company’s assets include its intellectual property rights, information systems, computers, servers, other equipment, and communication facilities. Loss, theft and misuse of the Company’s assets have a direct impact on the Company’s business and its profitability. Directors, officers and employees are expected to protect the Company’s assets that are entrusted to them and to protect the Company’s assets in general. Directors, officers and employees are also expected to take steps to ensure that the Company’s assets are used only for legitimate business purposes, except for personal use that is expressly permitted by Company policy.

One of the Company’s most important assets is its confidential information. Directors, officers and employees may learn of information about the Company, its clients, and other parties that is confidential and/or proprietary. Individuals who have received or have access to such information are expected to take special care to keep it confidential.

Corporate Opportunities

Directors, officers and employees owe a duty to the Company to advance its legitimate business interests when the opportunity to do so arises. Each director, officer and employee is prohibited from:

• diverting to himself or herself or to others any opportunities that are discovered through the use of the Company’s property or information, or as a result of his or her position with the Company, unless such opportunity has first been presented to, and rejected by, the Company and except to the extent the Company has waived the right to such opportunities in writing; or

• using the Company’s property or information or his or her position for improper personal gain.

Confidentiality

Confidential Information generated and gathered in the Company’s business plays a vital role in its business, prospects and ability to compete. “Confidential Information” includes all non-public information that might be of use to competitors or harmful to the Company or its customers if disclosed. Directors, officers and employees may not disclose or distribute the Company’s Confidential Information, except when disclosure is authorized by the Company or required by applicable law, rule or regulation or pursuant to an applicable legal proceeding. Directors, officers and employees shall use Confidential Information solely for legitimate company purposes. Directors, officers and employees must return all of the Company’s Confidential Information and proprietary information in their respective possession to the Company when they cease to be employed by or to otherwise serve the Company.

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Fair Dealing

Competing vigorously, yet lawfully, with competitors and establishing advantageous, but fair, business relationships with customers and suppliers is a part of the foundation for long-term success. However, unlawful and unethical conduct, which may lead to short-term gains, may damage a company’s reputation and long-term business prospects. Accordingly, it is the Company’s policy that directors, officers and employees must deal ethically and lawfully with the Company’s customers, suppliers, competitors and employees in all business dealings on the Company’s behalf. No director, officer or employee should take unfair advantage of another person in business dealings on the Company’s behalf through the abuse of privileged or confidential information or through improper manipulation, concealment or misrepresentation of material facts.

Accuracy of Records

The integrity, reliability and accuracy in all material respects of the Company’s books, records and financial statements are fundamental to the Company’s continued and future business success. No director, officer or employee may cause the Company to enter into a transaction with the intent to document or record it in a deceptive or unlawful manner. In addition, no director, officer or employee may create any false or artificial documentation or book entry for any transaction entered into by the Company. Similarly, officers and employees who have responsibility for accounting and financial reporting matters have a responsibility to accurately record all funds, assets and transactions on the Company’s books and records.

Trading in the Securities of Other Companies

No director, officer or employee of the Company who, in the course of working for the Company, learns of any material, nonpublic information about a company with which the Company does business (e.g., a customer, supplier or other party with which the Company is negotiating a major transaction, such as an acquisition, investment or sale), may trade in that company’s securities until the information becomes public or is no longer material.

Political Contributions

Business contributions to political campaigns are strictly regulated by federal, state, provincial and local law in the U.S., Canada and other jurisdictions. Accordingly, all political contributions proposed to be made with the Company’s funds must be coordinated through and approved by the Compliance Officer. Directors, officers and employees may not, without the approval of the Compliance Officer, use any of the Company’s funds for political contributions of any kind to any political candidate or holder of any national, state, provincial or local government office. Directors, officers and employees may make personal contributions, but should not represent that he or she is making any such contribution on the Company’s behalf. Similar restrictions on political contributions may apply in other countries. Specific questions should be directed to the Compliance Officer.

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Gifts and Entertainment

The giving and receiving of gifts can be a common and valid business practice. Appropriate business gifts and entertainment are welcome courtesies designed to build relationships and understanding among business partners. Gifts and entertainment, however, should never compromise, or appear to compromise, any person’s ability to make objective and fair business decisions, or the ability of others to make their own objective and fair business decisions. In addition, it is important to note that the giving and receiving of gifts are subject to a variety of laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Company’s operations. These include, without limitation, laws covering the marketing of products, bribery, and kickbacks. Each individual covered by this Code is expected to understand and to comply with all laws, rules and regulations that apply to his or her job position, as well as the Company’s other specific policies applicable to the giving and receiving of gifts.

Quality of Public Disclosures

The Company is committed to providing its stockholders with information about its financial condition and results of operations as required by the securities laws of the United States. It is the Company’s policy that the reports and documents it files with or submits to the Securities and Exchange Commission include fair, timely and understandable disclosure. Officers and employees who are responsible for these filings and disclosures, including the Company’s principal executive, financial and accounting officers, must use reasonable judgment and perform their responsibilities honestly, ethically and objectively in order to ensure that this disclosure policy is fulfilled.

International Trade Controls

Many countries regulate international trade transactions, such as imports, exports and international financial transactions, and may prohibit cooperation with boycotts against certain countries or against firms that may be “blacklisted” by certain groups or countries. It is the Company’s policy to comply with these laws and regulations even if it may result in the loss of some business opportunities. Employees should learn and understand the extent to which U.S. and international trade controls apply to transactions conducted by the Company.

Promoting a Positive Work Environment

The Company is committed to creating a supportive work environment and each employee is expected to create a respectful workplace culture that is free of harassment, intimidation, bias and unlawful discrimination. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and employment is based solely on individual merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. The Company strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind on the basis of race, color, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation or any other characteristics protected by law.

Compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) prohibits giving anything of value, directly or indirectly, to officials of a foreign government or to foreign political candidates in order to obtain or to retain business, induce the foreign official to perform or omit any act in violation of his public duty, influence the foreign official to affect or influence any government action, or obtain any other business advantage.

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Directors, officers and employees are strictly prohibited from offering, promising, paying or authorizing the payment, directly or indirectly, to a government official to influence or reward any act of such official, or otherwise making any payments or providing anything of value in violation of the FCPA. State and local governments, as well as foreign governments, may have additional rules regarding such payments. Directors, officers and employees shall comply with the FCPA and all other applicable anti-bribery, anti-kickback, and anti-corruption laws, rules, and regulations.

III. COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

Communication of Code

All directors, officers and employees will be supplied with a copy of this Code upon the later of the adoption of this Code and beginning service at the Company. Updates of this Code will be provided from time to time. A copy of this Code is also available to all directors, officers and employees by requesting one from the human resources department or by accessing the Company’s website at www.rocketlabusa.com.

Monitoring Compliance and Disciplinary Action

The Company’s management, under the supervision of its Board or its NCG Committee, shall take reasonable steps from time to time to (i) monitor compliance with this Code, and (ii) when appropriate, impose and enforce appropriate disciplinary measures for violations of this Code.

Disciplinary measures for violations of this Code may include, but are not limited to, counseling, oral or written reprimands, warnings, probation or suspension with or without pay, demotions, reductions in salary, re-assignment, termination of employment or service and restitution.

The Company’s management shall periodically report to the Board or the NCG Committee, as applicable, on these compliance efforts including, without limitation, periodic reporting of alleged violations of this Code and the actions taken with respect to any such violation.

Reporting Concerns/Receiving Advice

Communication Channels

Be Proactive. Every employee is encouraged to act proactively by asking questions, seeking guidance and reporting suspected violations of this Code and other policies and procedures of the Company, as well as any violation or suspected violation of applicable law, rule or regulation arising in the conduct of the Company’s business or occurring on the Company’s property. If any employee believes that actions have taken place, may be taking

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place, or may be about to take place that violate or would violate this Code or any law, rule or regulation applicable to the Company, he or she is obligated to bring the matter to the attention of the Company.

Seeking Guidance. The best starting point for an officer or employee seeking advice on ethics-related issues or reporting potential violations of this Code will usually be his or her supervisor. However, if the conduct in question involves his or her supervisor, if the employee has reported the conduct in question to his or her supervisor and does not believe that he or she has dealt with it properly, or if the officer or employee does not feel that he or she can discuss the matter with his or her supervisor, the employee may raise the matter with the Compliance Officer.

Communication Alternatives. Any officer or employee may communicate with the Compliance Officer, or report potential violations of this Code, by any of the following methods:

• In writing (which may be done anonymously as set forth below under “Anonymity”), addressed to the Compliance Officer of the Company, by U.S. mail to c/o Rocket Lab USA, Inc., 3881 McGowen Street, Long Beach, CA 90808.

Reporting Accounting and Similar Concerns. Any concerns or questions regarding any potential violations of this Code, any company policy or procedure or applicable law, rules or regulations that involves accounting, internal accounting controls, auditing or securities law matters will be handled in accordance with the procedures established by the Audit Committee for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters.

Cooperation. Employees are expected to cooperate with the Company in any investigation of a potential violation of this Code, any other company policy or procedure, or any applicable law, rule or regulation.

Misuse of Reporting Channels. Employees must not use these reporting channels in bad faith or in a false or frivolous manner or to report grievances that do not involve this Code or other ethics-related issues.

Anonymity

When reporting suspected violations of this Code, the Company prefers that officers and employees identify themselves to facilitate the Company’s ability to take appropriate steps to address the report, including conducting any appropriate investigation. However, the Company also recognizes that some people may feel more comfortable reporting a suspected violation anonymously.

If an officer or employee wishes to remain anonymous, he or she may do so, and the Company will use reasonable efforts to protect the confidentiality of the reporting person subject to applicable law, rule or regulation or to any applicable legal proceedings. In the event the report is made anonymously, however, the Company may not have sufficient information to look into or otherwise investigate or evaluate the allegations. Accordingly, persons who make reports anonymously should provide as much detail as possible to permit the Company to evaluate the matter(s) set forth in the anonymous report and, if appropriate, commence and conduct an appropriate investigation.

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No Retaliation

The Company expressly forbids any retaliation against any officer or employee who, acting in good faith on the basis of a reasonable belief, reports suspected misconduct. Specifically, the Company will not discharge, demote, suspend, threaten, harass or in any other manner discriminate against, such an officer or employee in the terms and conditions of his or her employment. Any person who participates in any such retaliation is subject to disciplinary action, including termination.

Waivers and Amendments

No waiver of any provisions of this Code for the benefit of a director or an executive officer (which includes without limitation, for purposes of this Code, the Company’s principal executive, financial and accounting officers) shall be effective unless (i) approved by the Board or, if permitted, the NCG Committee, and (ii) if applicable, such waiver is promptly disclosed to the Company’s stockholders in accordance with applicable U.S. securities laws and/or the rules and regulations of the exchange or system on which the Company’s shares are traded or quoted, as the case may be.

Any waivers of this Code for other employees may be made by the Compliance Officer, the Board or, if permitted, the NCG Committee.

All amendments to this Code must be approved by the Board and, if applicable, must be promptly disclosed to the Company’s stockholders in accordance with applicable United States securities laws and Nasdaq rules and regulations.

ADOPTED: August 25, 2021

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I acknowledge that I have reviewed and understand Rocket Lab USA, Inc.’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) and agree to abide by the provisions of the Code. I understand my obligation to comply with the Code and with the law, and my obligation to report to appropriate personnel within the Company any and all suspected violations of the Code or of applicable laws, rules, or regulations. I understand that the Company expressly prohibits any director, officer, or employee from retaliating against any other such person for reporting suspected violations of the Code or of any laws, rules or regulations. I am familiar with all the resources that are available if I have questions about specific conduct, the Company’s policies, or applicable laws, rules, or regulations.

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