Rocket Lab Secures $816 Million Contract for Missile-Defense Satellite Constellation
LONG BEACH, Calif., Dec. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rocket Lab USA, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB), has announced a significant milestone in its expansion as a key player in national defense. The company has been awarded a prime contract valued at $816 million by the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) to design and manufacture 18 satellites for the Tracking Layer Tranche 3 (TRKT3) program under the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).
Details of the Contract
This contract represents Rocket Lab's largest single award to date, highlighting its growing reputation in the defense sector. The contract consists of a base value of $806 million, along with options that could add up to $10.45 million. The satellites will be equipped with sophisticated missile warning, tracking, and defense sensors, enhancing global surveillance and response capabilities against emerging missile threats, including hypersonic systems.
- Contract Value: $816 million
- Base Contract: $806 million
- Options Available: Up to $10.45 million
- Satellites Planned: 18 units with advanced capabilities
Advanced Technology Integration
The satellites will incorporate Rocket Lab’s next-generation Phoenix infrared sensor payload. This wide field-of-view (WFOV) technology aims to address the evolving demands of missile defense in national security. Additionally, the satellites will be fortified with Rocket Lab’s StarLite space protection sensors, which enhance their resilience against potential directed energy threats. This technology has been recognized and adopted by other contractors in the TRKT3 program, further solidifying Rocket Lab's pivotal position within the project.
Expanding Opportunities
The total potential value of this contract could reach approximately $1 billion, factoring in additional subsystem opportunities available to Rocket Lab as a merchant supplier to other TRKT3 prime contractors. This includes possibilities for providing payloads, solar solutions, and various components designed to meet the program's specifications.
Vertical Integration Sets Rocket Lab Apart
Rocket Lab's satellites will be constructed using the proven Lightning platform, which is characterized by vertically integrated manufacturing. This strategy enables the company to maintain stringent control over quality, cost, and production speed, essential factors in fulfilling the urgent requirements of national security missions.
Leadership Perspective
“The Tranche 3 Tracking Layer constellation supports the U.S. Space Force's mission to counter rapidly evolving global threats. Rocket Lab is honored to contribute to this initiative,” said Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab. He emphasized that the company's in-house production of both spacecraft and payloads provides a fundamentally disruptive solution in defense programming.
Building on Existing Contracts
This recent contract complements Rocket Lab's previous $515 million award to deliver 18 satellites for the SDA’s Transport Layer-Beta Tranche 2 program, aimed at secure communications across the PWSA. In total, Rocket Lab has secured contracts exceeding $1.3 billion from the SDA, illustrating robust confidence in its capabilities for large-scale, high-stakes national security ventures.
Looking Ahead
As Rocket Lab expands its portfolio as a prime contractor for the U.S. Space Force, it continues to emerge as a competitive force against traditional aerospace primes. By integrating advanced technology with efficient production practices, Rocket Lab is redefining expectations in the national security space landscape.
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is a prominent space company engaged in providing launch services, spacecraft, payloads, and satellite components across commercial, government, and national security sectors. Its Electron rocket is recognized as the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket, while the HASTE rocket enables hypersonic testing for the U.S. government and allied nations.
As a publicly traded entity on the Nasdaq stock exchange (symbol: RKLB), Rocket Lab continues to expand its influence in the fast-evolving space industry.
Contact Information
For more information, please reach out to:
Email: media@rocketlabusa.com
