Rocket Lab (RKLB) stock extended its gains after the company secured a $397 million United States Space Force contract for surveillance satellites. RKLB closed 5.75% higher at $74.48, then added another 2.71% in pre-market trading to reach $76.50 before the opening bell. The award broadens Rocket Lab’s defense portfolio and strengthens its position across military launch services, spacecraft production, and advanced mission operations.

Rocket Lab USA, Inc., RKLB

Rocket Lab Wins Space Force Satellite Program

The Space Force selected Rocket Lab for the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator program, or SB-AMTI, under its sensing portfolio. The program is designed to detect airborne threats from orbit and provide real-time tracking data to military operators across contested regions. Rocket Lab will develop, launch, and operate multiple advanced Flatellite spacecraft throughout the program’s planned operational deployment period worldwide.

Rocket Lab designed Flatellites as compact, flat satellites optimized for deployment in large, resilient, distributed, and flexible orbital constellations. Each spacecraft will carry advanced sensors and secure, low-latency, high-bandwidth communication links to deliver military data rapidly around the world. These integrated systems are intended to support continuous target detection in difficult environments where conventional surveillance aircraft face severe operational risks.

Rocket Lab will launch the satellites aboard Neutron, its reusable medium-lift rocket that remains under active development and testing. The company will also manage spacecraft operations from secure facilities and provide tracking information directly to Space Force units. In addition, the contract includes an option for additional Flatellites within the announced $397 million total program value and scope.

Defense Contract Expands Rocket Lab’s Government Role

The agreement combines Rocket Lab’s satellite manufacturing, launch services, ground systems, and orbital operations in one coordinated delivery structure. That setup gives the company direct control over major mission stages, technical integration, strict security requirements, and operational schedules. It also supports the Space Force’s stated goal of increasing supplier diversity across the broader SB-AMTI surveillance architecture.

Rocket Lab has previously completed missions for the Space Force, NASA, DARPA, and the National Reconnaissance Office. The latest award builds on that record across civil, intelligence, scientific, and national security programs. The contract also gives Neutron a significant pathway into future United States military and government launch service missions at scale.

The SB-AMTI program responds to rising security risks facing traditional airborne surveillance aircraft near heavily defended modern battlefields. Space-based sensors can provide persistent global coverage without exposing military crews and expensive aircraft to advanced air-defense systems. Integrated sensors, secure links, and ground processing are intended to reduce operational blind spots and improve commanders’ real-time battlefield awareness.