Rocket Lab, a New Zealand-based private aerospace company, has won a major contract with the US Space Force. The contract, worth an estimated £200 million, was announced on 26 July 2026, and will see Rocket Lab provide launch services for the Space Force's small satellite launches.
The contract is a significant milestone for Rocket Lab, which has been working closely with the US military to develop its capabilities in satellite launch services. According to US Space Force officials, the contract will enable the agency to access a reliable and cost-effective launch service for its small satellites.
Rocket Lab's Electron rocket has been used for a number of successful launches in recent years, including a mission to launch a NASA weather satellite in 2022. The company has also been working on its new Neutron rocket, which is designed to be capable of launching larger payloads into space.
The contract win is a major boost for Rocket Lab's business, and is expected to provide a significant source of revenue for the company. Rocket Lab's shares rose by 5% on the news, to £12.50 per share.
The UK has a growing space industry, with a number of companies operating in the sector. While the contract is with the US Space Force, it is likely to have implications for the UK's own space industry, and may provide opportunities for UK companies to work with Rocket Lab on future projects.
Rocket Lab's contract with the US Space Force is a significant development in the growing market for satellite launch services. The company's Electron rocket has been used for a number of successful launches, and its Neutron rocket is expected to provide even more capabilities in the future.