Rocket Lab Wins $266 Million U.S. Space Force Multi-Launch Contract

Rocket Lab has secured its largest launch contract to date, receiving a $266 million award from the U.S. Space Force to conduct a series of suborbital launches supporting national security and missile defense programs.

Awarded through the Space Systems Command’s Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP), the contract covers 12 suborbital launches, with options for up to six additional missions. The first launch is expected no earlier than the end of 2026.

The missions will primarily launch from Rocket Lab’s new site at the Pacific Spaceport Complex - Alaska in Kodiak, expanding the company’s operational footprint alongside Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand and Launch Complexes 2 and 3 in Virginia.

The award marks another significant milestone in Rocket Lab’s growing role as a national security launch provider. The high-cadence launch campaign is intended to support the rapid testing and development of missile defense technologies while providing the U.S. Space Force with responsive and reliable launch capabilities.

CEO Sir Peter Beck said the contract reflects the Space Force’s confidence in Rocket Lab’s ability to deliver frequent, responsive launches at the pace required to accelerate America’s missile defense programs.

Image Credits: Rocket Lab