TLDR
- Rocket Lab wins a $397 million Space Force contract for defense satellites.
- RKLB rises 5.75% at close, then gains another 2.71% in pre-market trading today.
- Rocket Lab will build, launch, and operate Flatellites for the SB-AMTI program.
- Neutron will launch the satellites, expanding Rocket Lab’s defense footprint.
- The deal strengthens Rocket Lab’s vertically integrated space business model.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) stock extended gains after the company secured a $397 million United States Space Force contract for surveillance satellites. RKLB closed 5.75% higher at $74.48, then gained another 2.71% pre-market to reach $76.50 before trading. The award expands Rocket Lab’s defense portfolio and strengthens its position across military launch, spacecraft production, and advanced mission operations.
Rocket Lab Secures Space Force Satellite Program
The Space Force selected Rocket Lab for the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator program, or SB-AMTI, under its sensing portfolio. The project will detect airborne threats from orbit and deliver real-time tracking data to military operators across contested regions. Rocket Lab will develop, launch, and operate multiple advanced Flatellite spacecraft throughout the program’s planned operational deployment period worldwide.
The company designed Flatellites as compact, flat satellites optimized for deployment across large, resilient, distributed, and flexible orbital constellations. Each spacecraft will carry advanced sensors alongside secure, low-latency, high-bandwidth communication links for rapid worldwide military data delivery. These integrated systems will support continuous target detection across difficult environments where conventional surveillance aircraft face severe operational risks.
Rocket Lab will launch the satellites aboard Neutron, its reusable medium-lift rocket that remains under active development and testing. The company will also manage spacecraft operations from secure facilities and provide tracking information directly to Space Force units. Furthermore, the contract includes an option for additional Flatellites within the announced $397 million total program value and scope.
Defense Contract Expands Rocket Lab’s Government Role
The agreement combines Rocket Lab’s satellite manufacturing, launch services, ground systems, and orbital operations within one coordinated delivery structure. This model gives the company direct control over major mission stages, technical integration, strict security requirements, and operational schedules. It also supports the Space Force’s stated goal of adding greater supplier diversity across the wider SB-AMTI surveillance architecture.
Rocket Lab has previously completed several important missions for the Space Force, NASA, DARPA, and the National Reconnaissance Office. Therefore, the latest contract award builds on an established mission record across civil, intelligence, scientific, and national security programs. The contract also gives Neutron a significant route into future United States military and government launch service missions at scale.
The SB-AMTI program directly responds to growing security risks facing traditional airborne surveillance aircraft near heavily defended modern battlefields. Space-based sensors can maintain persistent global coverage without exposing military crews and expensive aircraft to advanced air-defense systems. Meanwhile, integrated sensors, secure links, and ground processing will reduce operational blind spots and improve real-time battlefield awareness for commanders.
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