U.S. Space Force Awards $615M in Contracts to Diversify Space-Based Targeting Tech
The U.S. Space Force awarded $615 million in contracts to Rocket Lab, Systems & Technology Research, and an unnamed firm to develop space-based air moving target indicator (AMTI) satellites under the SB-AMTI program. This aims to reduce reliance on SpaceX, which received a $4.2 billion contract earlier. Rocket Lab’s $397 million share will fund its ‘Flatellite’ spacecraft. The push follows damage to an E-3 AWACS during the Iran war. Initial capability is expected within 6-12 months, with usable capability by 2028.
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Space Force Awards $615 Million in AMTI Contracts to Rocket Lab, STR, and Unnamed Firm to Diversify Beyond SpaceX
The U.S. Space Force has awarded three new contracts totaling $615 million to Rocket Lab, STR, and an unnamed company to develop space-based airborne moving target indicator (AMTI) satellites. This move is intended to reduce reliance on SpaceX, which received a $4.16 billion contract two months prior for the same capability. Colonel Ryan Frazier emphasized the need for diversification and exploring unique innovations. The push for space-based AMTI gained urgency after an E-3 Sentry AWACS was heavily damaged during the Iran war. Rocket Lab received the largest portion ($397 million) to build and launch its 'Flatellites' for large constellations. The contracts are firm-fixed-price other-transaction authority agreements. SpaceX CEO Gwynne Shotwell acknowledged the competition, viewing the awards as additional capability tranches. The Pentagon has also resumed support for a next-generation airborne warning platform alongside the space-based effort.
Space Force Awards $615 Million in AMTI Contracts to Rocket Lab, STR, and Unnamed Firm to Diversify from SpaceX
The U.S. Space Force has awarded three new contracts totaling $615 million to Rocket Lab, STR, and an unnamed company to develop space-based airborne moving target indicator (AMTI) satellites. This move is intended to reduce reliance on SpaceX, which received a $4.16 billion contract for the same capability two months earlier. The contracts are firm-fixed-price other-transaction authority agreements. Rocket Lab received the largest share at $397 million to build and launch its 'Flatellites.' The diversification effort follows the heavy damage to an E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft during the Iran war, which underscored the need for survivable platforms. Col. Ryan Frazier stated the goal is to avoid a single technical solution and explore unique innovations. The awards represent a fraction of SpaceX's contract value, but officials emphasize building a robust industrial base for resilient space architecture.
US Space Force Awards $615 Million in AMTI Contracts to Rocket Lab, STR, and Unnamed Firm to Diversify Away from SpaceX
The U.S. Space Force has awarded three new contracts totaling $615 million to Rocket Lab, STR, and an unnamed company to develop space-based airborne moving target indicator (AMTI) satellites. This move is intended to reduce reliance on SpaceX, which received a $4.16 billion contract for the same capability two months earlier. The contracts are firm-fixed-price other-transaction authority agreements. Col. Ryan Frazier stated the goal is to diversify capabilities and avoid a single technical solution. The push for space-based AMTI intensified after an E-3 Sentry AWACS was heavily damaged during the Iran war. Rocket Lab received the largest portion ($397 million) and will build its 'Flatellites' for large constellations. SpaceX CEO Gwynne Shotwell acknowledged the competition, viewing the awards as additional tranches of capability.
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Space Force Awards Three New Vendors for Sensing, Targeting Tech
The U.S. Space Force announced $615 million in contracts to three vendors—Rocket Lab, Systems & Technology Research, and an unnamed firm—to mature space-based sensing and targeting capabilities under the Space-Based Air Moving Targeting Indicator (SB-AMTI) program. Rocket Lab confirmed it received $397 million to develop and launch its next-generation 'Flatellite' satellites on its Neutron rocket, designed for large constellations with space-based sensors and low-latency communications. The awards aim to diversify the contractor base and accelerate technology development, following a $4.2 billion contract to SpaceX in May. Col. Ryan Frazier emphasized the importance of competition and vendor diversity, with initial capability delivery expected within 6-12 months and usable capability in orbit by 2028. The Space Force's fiscal 2027 budget includes $7 billion for SB-AMTI satellites and $1 billion for ground-moving target indication from orbit.
Space Force Awards Three New Vendors for Space-Based Sensing and Targeting Tech
The U.S. Space Force announced $615 million in contracts to three vendors—Rocket Lab, Systems & Technology Research, and an undisclosed third firm—to mature space-based sensing and targeting capabilities under the Space-Based Air Moving Targeting Indicator (SB-AMTI) program. Rocket Lab confirmed it received $397 million to develop and launch its next-generation 'Flatellite' spacecraft on its Neutron rocket, designed for large constellations with space-based sensors and low-latency communication links. The awards aim to diversify the contractor base and accelerate technology development, following a $4.2 billion contract to SpaceX in May. The Space Force's fiscal 2027 budget includes $7 billion for SB-AMTI satellites and $1 billion for ground-moving target indication. Col. Ryan Frazier emphasized the importance of competition, with initial capability delivery expected within 6-12 months and usable capability by 2028. SpaceX executives anticipate additional contracts later this year.