Rocket Lab USA, Inc., a prominent player in the launch and space systems sector, has secured its most significant contract to date, solidifying its impact in national security space. Announced on December 19, 2025, the company has been awarded an $816 million prime contract by the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) to design and manufacture 18 satellites as part of the Tracking Layer Tranche 3 (TRKT3) program, which falls under the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).
The contract marks a milestone for Rocket Lab, reflecting its increasing recognition as a trusted contractor in the defense sector. The satellites will be equipped with state-of-the-art missile warning, tracking, and defense sensors aimed at providing ongoing detection and tracking of emerging missile threats, including hypersonic systems. The contract consists of an $806 million base amount along with options that could add up to $10.45 million. Each satellite will incorporate Rocket Lab’s advanced Phoenix infrared sensor payload, designed to address the changing needs of missile defense.
In a move to enhance mission resilience, the satellites will also be outfitted with Rocket Lab’s innovative StarLite space protection sensors, which shield the constellation against directed energy threats. Collaboration extends beyond just Rocket Lab’s satellite production, as StarLite sensors are also being utilized by other prime contractors involved in TRKT3, which broadens Rocket Lab’s influence within the program and could potentially increase the project’s overall value to around $1 billion, factoring in additional subsystem opportunities and components.
With vertical integration at its core, Rocket Lab aims to disrupt traditional defense contractors. The satellites will be constructed on the company’s Lightning platform, capitalizing on its in-house manufacturing of all major components. This approach guarantees not only efficiency in terms of speed and cost but also maintains high standards of quality, allowing the company to meet urgent national security demands effectively.
Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, highlighted the significance of the award, stating, “Demand for resilient, scalable, and affordable space systems continues to grow. This award demonstrates that Rocket Lab is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in delivering solutions that meet the needs of national security.” As a commercial provider producing both spacecraft and payloads in-house, Rocket Lab is asserting its capability to deliver transformative solutions to national security challenges.
This new contract follows Rocket Lab’s existing $515 million award for the SDA’s Transport Layer-Beta Tranche 2 program, pushing the collective contract value awarded to the company by the agency to over $1.3 billion. This progression underscores Rocket Lab’s expanding role as a prime contractor for the U.S. Space Force, positioning it as a formidable competitor against long-established aerospace primes by leveraging technology and proven delivery methods.
Ultimately, Rocket Lab’s ability to conceptualize and produce advanced aerospace technology in a streamlined, efficient manner paints a promising picture for the future of national security operations. The company’s advancements not only reinforce its standing within the industry but also signify a shift towards more innovative and nimble solutions in response to evolving global threats.