U.S. Space Force selects CACI and Rocket Lab for $981M NITE-STAR program

CACI and Rocket Lab have been integrated into the U.S. Space Force’s $981 million NITE-STAR program, officially known as the NSTTC Innovative Technology & Engineering – Space Test and Range program. This indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract aims to develop distributed test and operational training infrastructure to prepare personnel for contested space environments.

CACI will focus on providing technology to strengthen Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) test architectures. This approach combines real-world systems with simulated and computational models to validate mission readiness and defend against adversarial threats.

Rocket Lab has joined the contract framework to compete for task orders involving satellite development, digital test environments, ground systems integration, and space software engineering. This follows recent Space Force awards to Rocket Lab, including suborbital launch services and satellite manufacturing contracts.