Rocket Lab Secures $515M Contract to Build 18 Satellites for U.S. Military Network

The Space Development Agency has awarded Rocket Lab a $515 million contract to produce and operate 18 satellites for a low Earth orbit military satellite network, with a projected launch in mid-2027. These satellites will form part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture's Transport Layer, providing communications capabilities for military forces. Rocket Lab will lead the design, development, and production of the satellites, which will be based on the satellite buses the company is developing for Globalstar. This marks a significant milestone for Rocket Lab's satellite operations and signifies a shift towards commercially produced spacecraft for military use.