Rocket was built at Robert Stephenson's workshops in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The client was his father, George Stephenson, who was the construction manager on the new railway and had extensive experience in similar work. Rocket, built on proven and optimized technology, was the only locomotive that could complete the entire test program of the competition, thus becoming the clear winner.

Rocket had technical solutions that would later be used in many steam locomotives. The hot exhaust gases were directed through the boiler in tubes, making the boiler more efficient. Furthermore, the locomotive had direct drive on the wheels – not via complicated levers or gears like the competitors. Additionally, the exhaust steam was directed through the chimney, increasing the draft in the boiler.

In the years following the competition, Stephenson delivered around 30 locomotives with various improvements to the new line between Liverpool and Manchester. The competition locomotive Rocket continued to be used in lighter trains on the railway until 1834.

The locomotive is preserved and is today located at the Science Museum in London.