Rocket Lab Wins $397 Million U.S. Space Force Deal to Build Next-Generation ‘Flatellites’ for Missile Tracking

Rocket Lab has secured one of the biggest defense contracts in its history after winning a potential $397 million agreement from the U.S. Space Force to develop advanced “Flatellite” spacecraft designed to improve the military’s ability to detect, track, and monitor airborne and missile threats. The award positions Rocket Lab as an increasingly important player in America’s rapidly expanding national security space program.

The contract, awarded under the U.S. Space Force’s growing missile-warning and surveillance initiatives, highlights the Pentagon’s push toward deploying smaller, faster-to-build satellites capable of delivering real-time intelligence across global theaters. Rocket Lab will work alongside defense technology company STR to develop the next generation of flat, high-performance satellites that can strengthen U.S. space-based defense capabilities.