Rocket Lab Corp. (NASDAQ:RKLB) stock rose in Wednesday’s premarket session after the company said it secured a $397 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to build, launch and operate satellites for its Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) program.
U.S. Space Force Awards Major Contract
Under the agreement, Rocket Lab will develop, launch and operate multiple Flatellites. The company’s next-generation satellite platform is designed for large constellations.
The spacecraft will carry space-based sensors and low-latency, high-bandwidth communications to help detect and track airborne threats in real time.
Rocket Lab will launch the satellites aboard its upcoming Neutron rocket and operate them from secure ground facilities. In addition, the company will provide tracking data directly to the U.S. Space Force. The contract also includes an option for additional Flatellites.
The SB-AMTI program strengthens the U.S. military’s ability to monitor contested airspace. It uses a resilient satellite network to continuously track airborne targets from space.
Vertical Integration Wins Defense Business
Rocket Lab said the award highlights its vertically integrated business model. The company combines satellite design, manufacturing, launch services and mission operations under one roof.
Chief Executive Officer Sir Peter Beck said the company is well positioned to support the Space Force with end-to-end satellite and launch capabilities while expanding the nation’s space-based sensing architecture.
The award adds to Rocket Lab’s growing portfolio of U.S. government customers, including the U.S. Space Force, the National Reconnaissance Office, DARPA and NASA.
Why The Program Matters
The SB-AMTI program is designed to reduce the military’s reliance on aircraft-based surveillance in contested environments, where traditional platforms face growing threats.
Instead, the program will deploy a constellation of satellites equipped with advanced sensors and secure communications. Artificial intelligence-powered ground processing will analyze the data to provide persistent, real-time tracking of airborne targets and improve battlefield awareness.
RKLB Price Action: Rocket Lab shares were up 3.14% at $76.81 during premarket trading on Wednesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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