Rocket Lab is now part of the U.S. Space Force’s NITE-STAR program. This initiative involves a $981 million contract ceiling aimed at building an advanced test and training infrastructure for space operations. The Space Systems Command manages the program to prepare operators for contested environments.
As an awardee on the IDIQ contract, Rocket Lab can compete for task orders. The company will apply its experience in satellite manufacturing, space software, and systems engineering. This work covers the integration of space and ground systems, along with the creation of digital environments for mission readiness.
This selection follows Rocket Lab’s history of support for government defense initiatives. The company’s vertically integrated model allows it to handle satellite design, launch, and on-orbit operations. By joining this program, Rocket Lab will contribute to the ongoing efforts of the Space Force to keep space systems prepared for potential threats.
Brad Clevenger, the Vice President of Space Systems at Rocket Lab, stated that the move marks a focus on space innovation and mission readiness. The contract will serve as a venue for developing the technical capacity required for modern space warfare, drawing on the company's background with previous government agencies.