Completion of a Crucial Phase in the Contract With SDA
Jan 21, 2025
The development of space defense infrastructure hit a vital target as Rocket Lab successfully finished the preliminary design review (PDR) for the Tranche 2 Transport Layer-Beta layer satellites. The achievement marks a turning point in the company’s $515 million deal with the Space Development Agency (SDA). Such enhancement allows Rocket Lab to move to the detailed design stage, which proves the firm’s increasing role in the defense space industry.
3D rendering of the T2TL-Beta satellites. Credit: Rocket Lab
The scale of this historic program is to provide delivery of 18 data transport satellites which are the part of the US Department of Defense’s proliferated warfighter space architecture. The deal signed in January 2024 outline Rocket Lab to perform end-to-end services of designing, integrating, testing, and commissioning the T2TL-Beta satellites. This large-scale program demonstrates Rocket Lab’s capacity to build challenging space defense systems alongside engaging numerous pay load vendors with the boosting impact on the PWSA company’s effectiveness in the low-Earth orbit. The preliminary design review proved to be a rigorous and time consuming method that spanned several days and included a number of important aspects of the mission. Specifically, this review for describing the mission architecture, space vehicle, launch parameters, operated systems, and ground control system. Moreover, as for integration activities, technical specification, technology development and operational concept, the planned activities were also reviewed which all evidence the extensive foreseeing evaluation in the assessment.
When asked for comments, Brad Clevenger, president, and CEO of Rocket Lab National Security LLC also talked about this accomplishment, describing it as a sign that showed Rocket Lab was on track to establishing new generation satellite architecture that would help fortify the United States defense capabilities in space. He highlighted their vertically integrated approach and innovative technologies, which gives it an added advantage to deliver with accuracy and speed through the application of their sophisticated technologies. The statement embodied intended objectives of a company operating in the field pertaining to establishment of national security interests using space technology. The impact of this project is not limited to the technological innovation that it presented as a stand alone but as a product of Rocket Lab they are now considered a defense prime contractor for the first time. There is a fixed cash price of $489M plus 4 components regarding additional incentives and option, which makes up of $26M. The project plan is for the entire decade and satellite delivery is planned for 2027; operational services are planned to 2030 and there is an option to extend to 2033.
In May 2024 a key development of the project occurred when Rocket Lab chose six subcontractors to provide critical payloads and sub-systems for the T2TL-Beta satellites. Subsequent to that, the firm will develop additional functionality for the satellites that include Rocket Lab’s vertically integrated subsystems & components. These include solar panels, composite structures, star trackers, reaction wheels, radios, flight and ground software avionics, and launch dispensers All are evidences showing that the company’s technological portfolio is not only broad but also deep. Among the concerns of the satellites in the context of the PWSA constellation, the paramount importance is given for such functions as secure and low latency data transmission and the missile tracking. These satellites are going to shift military space system to the new, higher level in terms of communication and tracking for military use.