Rocket Lab USA, Inc. has secured a contract with the Space Development Agency (SDA) to develop and manufacture 18 Tranche 2 Transport Layer-Beta Data Transport Satellites (T2TL – Beta). As a prominent space launch services and satellite technology provider, Rocket Lab is set to contribute to this significant project.
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. has been awarded a firm-fixed-price contract valued at USD 515 million, designating the company as the prime contractor. In this role, Rocket Lab will oversee the entire lifecycle of 18 Tranche 2 Transport Layer-Beta Data Transport Satellites (T2TL – Beta), including design, development, production, testing, and operations, along with the procurement and integration of payload subsystems.
This contract reinforces Rocket Lab’s position as a prominent satellite prime contractor, contributing to the Department of Defense’s (DoD) supply chain diversity through vertical integration. The agreement, managed by Rocket Lab National Security (RLNS), the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary tailored for U.S. defense and intelligence needs, consists of a $489 million base and $26 million in incentives and options.
The Space Development Agency (SDA) is acquiring satellites in two-year tranches to build a proliferated Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation, enhancing global military data and connectivity. The T2TL – Beta satellites, part of the Tranche 2 program, will integrate into SDA’s Transport Layer to deliver assured, resilient, and low-latency military capabilities worldwide for the DoD.
Rocket Lab Founder and CEO, Peter Beck, emphasized the company’s strategic execution in acquiring experienced teams, advanced technology, and manufacturing facilities to become a leading satellite prime contractor. The high degree of vertical integration allows Rocket Lab to control the supply chain efficiently, ensuring cost, schedule, and quality certainty.
All 18 satellites will feature in-house subsystems and components, showcasing Rocket Lab’s capabilities in solar panels, structures, star trackers, reaction wheels, radio, flight software, avionics, and launch dispensers. The manufacturing process will take place at Rocket Lab’s advanced spacecraft development and manufacturing complex in Long Beach, incorporating a 12,000 sq. ft. cleanroom and 40,000 sq. ft. streamlined production & test facilities. The scheduled launch for these satellites is in 2027.
With a backlog of over 40 satellites in development and production, Rocket Lab continues to be a leading provider of advanced spacecraft and components, contributing to over 1,700 satellite missions globally.
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Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 172 satellites to orbit for commercial and Government partners, including NASA, the U.S. Air Force, DARPA and the NRO. Rocket Lab also delivers proven suborbital hypersonic launch capability with its HASTE launch vehicle. Building on the deep heritage of Electron, Rocket Lab is developing Neutron, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable launch vehicle tailored for constellation deployment and interplanetary missions. Rocket Lab is also a premier supplier of advanced satellites, flight-proven subsystems and spacecraft components. At a component level, Rocket Lab spacecraft technology spans space solar power, composite structures, flight software, star trackers, reaction wheels, separation systems, and more. Rocket Lab satellite technology and components have been integrated into more than 1,700 satellite missions globally. www.rocketlabusa.com