Rocket Lab Secures $397 Million Contract for Flatellite Satellites
The U.S. Space Force awarded Rocket Lab a $397 million contract to build and launch Flatellite satellites for real-time aerial threat tracking. This agreement is the largest defense contract for Rocket Lab in 2026, contributing to a total of $943 million in defense contracts secured by the company this year.
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Rocket Lab has received a $397 million contract from the U.S. Space Force as part of the SB-AMTI program to design, manufacture, and launch Flatellite satellites aimed at enhancing aerial threat detection.
This contract represents Rocket Lab's largest defense award of the year and is part of a broader initiative within the Pentagon's Golden Dome missile defense system, which seeks to improve mobile target tracking capabilities. Since early 2026, the company has announced four defense contracts worth a total of $943 million, indicating a strategic pivot towards defense sectors.
The Flatellite design maximizes satellite quantity per launch and is set for deployment using Rocket Lab's upcoming Neutron rocket, which is expected to debut in late 2026 or early 2027. This innovative approach positions Rocket Lab as a key player in rapid-response space missions, aligning with increasing demand for commercial solutions in national security.
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