Rocket Lab secures a $397 million contract from the U.S. Space Force; Serenity states it will become a key supplier for space military infrastructure.

Rocket Lab has secured a $397 million contract from the U.S. Space Force for its Space-Based Advanced Maneuvering Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) program. Industry analysis firm Serenity noted in a report that the contract signals Rocket Lab will play a more prominent role in the U.S. space military ecosystem. Per the contract terms, Rocket Lab will be responsible for developing, launching, and operating multiple Flatellite satellites, which are equipped with space-based sensors and communication links to deliver target detection, tracking, and data services to the U.S. Space Force. Serenity emphasized that the core value of Rocket Lab’s latest contract lies not only in the nearly $400 million in revenue, but also in the U.S. defense system’s recognition of its low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation capabilities. The company plans to use its medium-lift launch vehicle Neutron for the satellite missions, further advancing its transition from a "small rocket firm" to a comprehensive space infrastructure enterprise. The SB-AMTI program is managed by the U.S. Space Force’s Space Sensing and Targeting Directorate, with the goal of establishing a space-based aviation threat detection and tracking system. The contract also includes an option to increase the number of Flatellite satellites in the future. Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck stated that the company is honored to participate in the SB-AMTI program, which is critical to building a layered, resilient tracking architecture for the U.S. Space Force.