Rocket Lab Secures $397 Million U.S. Space Force Contract for Flatellite Surveillance Satellites

Rocket Lab announced on August 5 that it has been awarded a $397 million contract by the U.S. Space Force to develop, launch and operate a constellation of Flatellite satellites. The satellites, built on the company’s flat‑panel design, will be launched on Rocket Lab’s new Neutron launch vehicle, which is slated for its maiden flight later this year. The award is part of the Space‑Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB‑AMTI) program, which aims to provide real‑time tracking of airborne threats and diversify the vendor base for the service.

The Space Force’s Space Systems Command also disclosed a total of $615 million in Other Transaction Authority contracts for SB‑AMTI, split among Rocket Lab, STR LLC and an undisclosed contractor. Earlier phases of the program awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract for the initial satellite fielding. Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck highlighted the company’s vertical integration as a key advantage for meeting the Space Force’s requirements.