Rocket Lab USA, a subsidiary of the private aerospace company Rocket Lab, was awarded a prime contract by the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) to design and manufacture 18 satellites for the agency's Tracking Layer Tranche 3 program. The contract, valued at $816 million, is the company's largest to date and marks a significant expansion of its presence in the defense sector. The satellites will be equipped with advanced missile warning, tracking, and defense sensors, which will enable the SDA to provide critical defense capabilities to the U.S. military.

According to a statement from Rocket Lab, the contract is a testament to the company's ability to deliver complex space systems that meet the needs of the U.S. government. "We are proud to have been selected by the SDA to deliver this critical capability," said Peter Beck, CEO of Rocket Lab. "Our team has worked tirelessly to develop the necessary expertise and capabilities to support the SDA's mission, and we look forward to continuing to support their efforts."

The contract is separate from an existing $515 million award to deliver satellites for the SDA's Transport Layer-Beta Tranche 2 program, which aims to provide a satellite communications network in low Earth orbit that sends encrypted, low-latency data to the military. Together, Rocket Lab has SDA contracts valued at more than $1.3 billion.

Rocket Lab's expansion into the defense sector is a significant development in the company's history. Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab initially focused on launching small satellites into orbit using its Electron rocket. However, in recent years, the company has diversified its offerings to include a range of space systems and services, including satellite manufacturing and ground-based tracking systems.

Industry experts say that Rocket Lab's success in the defense sector is a testament to the company's ability to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing market. "Rocket Lab's entry into the defense sector is a significant development, and it highlights the company's ability to deliver complex space systems that meet the needs of the U.S. government," said one analyst. "As the space industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more companies like Rocket Lab expanding their presence in the defense sector."

The contract is expected to be completed within the next two years, with the first satellites launching in 2025. Rocket Lab has stated that it plans to continue to bid on multibillion-dollar Department of Defense initiatives, including the Golden Dome program.