Rocket Lab wins $816M contract to build 18 missile-tracking satellites for U.S. defense

Rocket Lab has secured an $816 million contract to build 18 satellites for the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA). The deal forms part of the Tracking Layer Tranche 3 (TRKT3) program, which aims to enhance missile defence capabilities. The company's satellites will carry advanced sensors to detect and track global threats in real time. The contract includes a base value of $806 million, with optional additions bringing the total to around $1 billion. This figure accounts for extra subsystems like payloads, solar panels, control components, and software. The agreement follows Rocket Lab's earlier $515 million deal to supply 18 satellites for the SDA's Transport Layer-Beta Tranche 2 program, reinforcing confidence in its ability to handle large-scale security projects.

Each satellite will use Rocket Lab's Lightning platform, known for its speed, cost efficiency, and quality. The design incorporates the company's next-generation Phoenix infrared sensor, offering a wide field of view to adapt to changing missile defence requirements. Additionally, the satellites will feature StarLite space protection sensors, shielding them from directed energy threats. These sensors have also been chosen by other contractors working on TRKT3, expanding Rocket Lab's involvement in the initiative.

Peter Beck, Rocket Lab's founder and CEO, highlighted the company's pride in supporting the TRKT3 constellation. He noted that Rocket Lab's vertically integrated manufacturing and expertise in national security solutions position it as a key player in the program. The satellites will provide persistent global monitoring of missile threats, bolstering defence capabilities. With this contract, Rocket Lab strengthens its role in critical national security infrastructure. Delivery of the satellites is expected to align with the SDA's timeline for deploying the TRKT3 constellation.