Rocket Lab joins Space Force network, wins $12M in contracts

Long Beach, California - Rocket Lab Corporation, a NASDAQ-listed company (RKLB), has recently joined the U.S. Space Force's Space Data Network Consortium and secured two delivery orders valued at $12 million. These contracts will support the Space Data Network Backbone program, a project aimed at creating a secure, high-speed global satellite communications network for military operations.

The Space Data Network Consortium, overseen by the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command, brings together industry players to design and deploy this advanced communications architecture.

Rocket Lab's primary responsibilities under the delivery orders will include the design, testing, and demonstration of technologies that facilitate communication between satellites and ground systems. To showcase these capabilities, the company plans to conduct an in-orbit demonstration using a Photon spacecraft, which will be equipped with optical and network technologies to demonstrate interoperability. Rocket Lab expects to deliver an operational demonstration for the Space Data Network Backbone program by 2027.

Peter Beck, the founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, expressed his honor at joining the U.S. Space Force's Space Data Network Consortium and contributing to the development of this crucial communications infrastructure. He emphasized that this opportunity allows Rocket Lab to leverage its vertically integrated capabilities to ensure seamless interoperability and global connectivity for the Joint Force.

Rocket Lab's involvement in the Space Data Network Backbone program aligns with its broader mission to provide launch services, satellite manufacturing, and spacecraft components for commercial, government, and defense missions.