Rocket Lab USA(US:RKLB) Globenewswire·2025-12-19 21:05Core Insights - Rocket Lab has secured its largest contract to date, valued at $816 million, from the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) to design and manufacture 18 satellites for the Tracking Layer Tranche 3 (TRKT3) program, enhancing its position in national security space [1][2]. Contract Details - The contract includes a base value of $806 million and options worth up to $10.45 million, focusing on advanced missile warning, tracking, and defense sensors for global detection of missile threats, including hypersonic systems [2]. - Each satellite will utilize Rocket Lab's next-generation Phoenix infrared sensor payload and will be equipped with advanced StarLite space protection sensors to ensure mission resilience [2]. Manufacturing and Technology - Rocket Lab's satellites will be built on its Lightning platform, utilizing vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities to achieve speed, cost efficiency, and quality [3]. - The company designs and produces all major components in-house, allowing for rapid scaling of production while maintaining control over costs and schedules [3]. Strategic Importance - The Tranche 3 Tracking Layer constellation is part of the U.S. Space Force's strategy to counter evolving global threats, and Rocket Lab's role is seen as critical in delivering affordable and resilient space systems [4]. - The contract signifies Rocket Lab's unique position as the only commercial provider producing both spacecraft and payloads in-house for the SDA Tracking Layer, marking a shift in national security space program execution [4]. Financial Momentum - This contract builds on Rocket Lab's existing $515 million award for the SDA's Transport Layer-Beta Tranche 2 program, bringing the total contract value awarded by SDA to over $1.3 billion [5]. - The strong confidence in Rocket Lab's capabilities is reflected in the substantial contract values awarded, indicating its growing role as a prime contractor for the U.S. Space Force [5][6].