U.S. Air Force Awards Rocket Lab $266 Million Contract for Hypersonic Missile Launches
Rocket Lab, a space company transitioning into defense contracting, has been awarded a $266 million contract by the U.S. Space Force to conduct at least 12 suborbital rocket launches under its Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP). These tests are likely aimed at developing hypersonic missile capabilities for national defense purposes. This follows an earlier $190 million deal with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions in March, where Rocket Lab agreed to conduct 20 HASTE test flights. The company has increasingly focused on military contracts, including a prior $816 million contract for building missile warning satellites and another $515 million one for similar purposes. Rocket Lab's CEO suggested the new launches are part of an effort to enhance U.S. missile defense capabilities against emerging threats from countries like Russia and China.
Topics: HASTE program Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Rocket Lab U.S. Department of Defense