Rocket Lab to build 18 US missile-tracking satellites in $816m deal

New Zealand–founded space company Rocket Lab has landed its largest contract to date, winning an $816 million deal to build a new generation of missile-tracking satellites.

Rocket Lab will design and manufacture 18 satellites for the US Space Development Agency’s Tracking Layer Tranche 3 programme, part of the US military’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck said the satellites will help detect and track advanced missile threats, including hypersonic weapons.

“Rocket Lab is honoured to play a role in enabling this.”

The contract includes a base award of $806m, with a further $10.45m available through options.

“This contract underscores that Rocket Lab’s vertically integrated approach isn’t just a competitive advantage – we’re enabling a fundamental shift in how national security space programs are executed.”

Sir Peter Beck says the new satellites will help detect and track advanced missile threats. Photo / From The Launch of Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab will equip the satellites with its Phoenix infrared sensor payloads to deliver wide field-of-view missile warning and tracking capabilities, Beck said.

StarLite sensors have also been selected by other prime contractors involved in the Tranche 3 programme, creating further opportunities for Rocket Lab to supply subsystems beyond its own satellite builds.

The company said total potential contract value across the programme could reach about US$1 billion ($1.7b) once these supply opportunities are included.

Rocket Lab said the satellites would be built on its Lightning spacecraft platform, drawing on its vertically integrated manufacturing model.

The company designs and produces most major spacecraft components in-house, including solar arrays, propulsion systems, avionics and payloads, Beck said.

“Rocket Lab is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in delivering solutions that meet the needs of national security.”