Rocket Lab wins $397 million Space Force contract

• Rocket Lab received a $397 million U.S. Space Force contract to build, launch and operate multiple Flatellites.
• Rocket Lab shares rose 5.7% to $74.48 following the announcement.
• The company will use its Neutron rocket and satellite operations network to deliver the program.

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) received a $397 million U.S. Space Force contract to develop, launch and operate satellites that will track airborne threats.

The award follows a separate $266 million Space Force contract covering 12 HASTE launches, with options for up to six additional missions.

“Rocket Lab is honored to play a key role in the SB-AMTI program,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck.

The $397 million total includes an option for additional Flatellites, while Rocket Lab did not disclose the initial spacecraft count or delivery timetable.

Following the announcement, Rocket Lab's share price was up 5.7% at $74.48.

Rocket Lab also secured a $90 million Space Force contract in May to build and operate two geostationary satellites carrying Heimdall payloads.

The company signed three Electron missions for iQPS in July and recently completed the Space Force’s VICTUS HAZE launch-and-tracking demonstration.