Rocket Lab joins Space Force's $981M NITE-STAR test program

Rocket Lab has been onboarded to the U.S. Space Force's $981 million NITE-STAR contract, opening a defense pipeline for the satellite maker to compete for task orders in space test and training infrastructure.

"Being selected for the NITE-STAR program highlights Rocket Lab's commitment to advancing space innovation and supporting the U.S. Space Force's mission to ensure space readiness," Brad Clevenger, vice president of space systems at Rocket Lab, said.

The contract, managed by Space Systems Command, covers development and integration of space-based systems, deployment of ground systems, creation of digital environments, and sustainment of operational systems. Rocket Lab is one of 15 awardees under the multiple-award IDIQ, valued at up to $981 million over two five-year periods, according to CACI International, a fellow awardee. The company will apply its satellite development, space software, systems engineering, and mission operations capabilities to the program.

The onboarding builds on Rocket Lab's government work for the Department of War, National Reconnaissance Office, and NASA, and follows the same-day selection by Viasat to build a GEO satellite for the Space Force's PTS-G program. Rocket Lab's vertically integrated approach — spanning satellite design, manufacturing, launch, and on-orbit operations — gives it a path to capture task orders as the Space Force modernizes its test and training architecture.

Rocket Lab shares have gained on recent contract news; the Viasat selection carried a 2.28 percent 24-hour reaction, according to StockTitan data. The company's satellites and components have powered more than 1,700 missions in Earth orbit, plus deep-space exploration of the Moon and Mars. No specific task-order value to Rocket Lab was disclosed, and the company must compete against other awardees for individual assignments.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.