Rocket Lab Awarded $397 Million Contract to Build and Launch Flatellites for U.S. Space Force’s Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator Program
Key Highlights
- ➤$397 million contract awarded to Rocket Lab (RKLB) by U.S. Space Force under SB-AMTI program.
- ➤Rocket Lab (RKLB) will develop, launch, and operate multiple Flatellite spacecraft with space-based sensors.
- ➤Flatellites will launch on Rocket Lab’s upcoming Neutron rocket and operate from secure facilities.
- ➤Contract includes an option for additional Flatellites within the total $397 million contract value.
- ➤SB-AMTI will provide persistent, real-time tracking of airborne threats in contested environments.
- ➤Rocket Lab (RKLB) will integrate satellite design, manufacturing, launch, and mission operations under the contract.
Expert Statements
Sir Peter Beck, Founder and CEO of Rocket Lab
“Rocket Lab is honored to play a key role in the SB-AMTI program, which is critical to expanding the Space Force’s layered, resilient tracking architecture.”
Sir Peter Beck, Founder and CEO of Rocket Lab
“Our vertically integrated, constellation-class satellite capabilities, mission operations, and launch services uniquely position us to deliver innovative solutions that meet the urgent needs of the Space Force.”
Sir Peter Beck, Founder and CEO of Rocket Lab
“We are proud to contribute to the deployment of a resilient space-based sensing layer that will enhance the Joint Force’s ability to operate in contested airspace.”
LONG BEACH, Calif., Aug. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has been awarded a $397 million contract by the United States Space Force under the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) program. The initiative, led by the Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) for Space-Based Sensing and Targeting (SBST), aims to enhance global security by deploying a resilient space-based system to detect and track airborne threats in real time.
Under the contract, Rocket Lab will develop, launch, and operate multiple advanced Flatellites — a next-generation flat satellite design optimized for large constellations — with space-based sensors and low latency, high bandwidth communication links. Rocket Lab will launch the Flatellites on the Company’s upcoming Neutron rocket and operate them from secure facilities, providing data and track information to the Space Force. An option for additional Flatellites is included in the total contract value. The Flatellite spacecraft and Neutron launch service will enable vendor diversity in the SB-AMTI program and increased capabilities for deploying the SB-AMTI architecture, which integrates cutting-edge sensors, secure communications, and robust ground processing systems to provide the U.S. military with persistent, real-time battlespace awareness in contested environments.
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