In a significant move that reshapes the landscape of national security space, Rocket Lab USA, Inc. has secured its largest contract to date. The company announced on December 19, 2025, that it has been awarded a prime contract worth $816 million by the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) to design and manufacture a critical missile-defense satellite constellation.
A Landmark Deal for National Security Space
The contract is for the Tracking Layer Tranche 3 (TRKT3) program, a key part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) for the U.S. Space Force. Under this agreement, Rocket Lab will build 18 satellites equipped with advanced sensors for global missile warning, tracking, and defense. The award solidifies Rocket Lab's position as a trusted prime contractor, challenging traditional aerospace giants with its innovative and efficient approach.
Technical Capabilities and Strategic Impact
The satellites will be built on Rocket Lab's proven Lightning platform and will feature the company's next-generation Phoenix infrared sensor payload. This wide field-of-view system is designed to detect and track emerging threats, including hypersonic missiles. To ensure resilience, the constellation will be protected by Rocket Lab's StarLite space protection sensors, which are also being supplied to other prime contractors on the TRKT3 program.
This dual role—as both a prime contractor and a merchant supplier—could push Rocket Lab's total value from the program to approximately $1 billion. The contract includes an $806 million base award plus options worth up to $10.45 million.
Vertical Integration: A Disruptive Advantage
Rocket Lab's success is largely attributed to its vertically integrated manufacturing model. The company designs and produces all major components in-house, from solar arrays and propulsion systems to the sensor payloads themselves. This end-to-end control allows for unprecedented speed, cost efficiency, and quality in satellite production, meeting the urgent demands of modern national security missions.
"This award demonstrates that Rocket Lab is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in delivering solutions that meet the needs of national security," said Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck. "We're enabling a fundamental shift in how national security space programs are executed."
The Tranche 3 Tracking Layer is a cornerstone of the U.S. Space Force's strategy to counter advanced global threats. By awarding this pivotal contract to Rocket Lab, the Pentagon is signaling a strong vote of confidence in agile, commercial space companies to deliver resilient and scalable defense capabilities, marking a new era in space-based security.
