Wire · technology
Rocket Lab Joins US Space Force Consortium and Secures $12M Satellite Contracts
◆ Sectors
◆ Geography
◆ Source
◆ Verified
Fusion42 · 19 August 2026 · Fusion42 review
Rocket Lab joined the U.S. Space Force's Space Data Network Consortium and secured $12 million in contracts to develop and test advanced optical and orbital communications technology for defense. The company plans a live space demonstration with its Photon spacecraft in 2027, enhancing the military's resilient and high-speed orbital network.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Government & Space, and 12 sources have reported it between 27 Jul 2026 and 19 Aug 2026.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
Rocket Lab now builds core US military satellite networking infrastructure and plans a 2027 in-orbit test. If you provide satellite hardware or secure space links, this contract is a clear door to winning new defence business.
◆ Coverage
12 sources · first reported 27 Jul 2026 · latest 19 Aug 2026
◆ Topics