ORLANDO, Fla. — On May 6, Rocket Lab revealed the companies it chose to help make 18 satellites for the U.S. military.
The firm is creating satellites for the Space Development Agency under a $515 million deal. These will be part of a low Earth orbit network of military satellites named Transport Layer Tranche 2 Beta, set to launch in mid-2027.
The Space Development Agency, part of the U.S. Space Force, is getting a mesh network in space known as the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. The Transport Layer will be made up of many interconnected communications satellites to enable beyond line-of-sight connectivity for military forces.
For SDA’s satellites, Rocket Lab will use its own solar panels, structures, star trackers, reaction wheels, radio, flight software, avionics, and launch dispensers. As prime contractor, Rocket Lab will also oversee the integration of the payloads and other subsystems.
- CesiumAstro will supply the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radio frequency (RF) communications payloads.
- Mynaric will provide the optical communications terminals.
- SEAKR Engineering, a subsidiary of Raytheon, will provide the Tactical Satellite Communications (TACSATCOM) software defined radio and network encryption system.
- Collins Aerospace will supply the waveform for the software defined radio, which is the software required to transmit and receive TACSATCOM.
- Redwire Space will provide the antennas and RF hardware.
- Parsons will supply the ground system for managing operations of the 18 satellites.
Rocket Lab’s vice president of space systems Brad Clevenger stated, “As we embark on a new era as a leading satellite prime, we have methodically executed on our strategy of developing and acquiring experienced teams, advanced technology, manufacturing facilities, and a robust spacecraft supply chain to make this possible.”
Rocket Lab, based in Long Beach, California, specializes in small-satellite launch services with its Electron rockets that operate from spaceports in New Zealand and Virginia. The company also manufactures components and spacecraft for government and commercial customers. The contract with SDA is the largest to date for Rocket Lab’s satellite operations.
The satellite buses for SDA will be a derivative of those Rocket Lab is developing for the communications company Globalstar.
