Rocket Lab has won a $397 million U.S. Space Force contract to develop, launch, and operate a new generation of Flatellites for the SB-AMTI program, delivering space-based sensors and high-bandwidth, low-latency communications from orbit.

The Flatellites are designed as a large-constellation, space-based sensing layer optimized for persistent real-time tracking and targeting in contested environments, supported by secure ground processing.

Rocket Lab will deploy the Flatellites on its Neutron launch vehicle and operate them from secure facilities, providing data and tracking information back to Space Force analysts.

The Flatellite spacecraft and Neutron launch service are intended to enhance SB-AMTI by delivering persistent battlespace awareness in contested environments.

SB-AMTI combines sensors, secure communications, and ground processing to support real-time situational awareness for U.S. military operations.

The program envisions using AI to sift through large data streams and identify targets, providing continuous battlefield awareness to warfighters.

The contract includes an option for additional Flatellites, signaling potential expansion beyond the initial award as the system scales.

SB-AMTI aims to replace aging terrestrial and airborne sensors with a resilient, space-based sensing and targeting architecture capable of real-time detection and tracking of airborne threats.

Peter Beck, Rocket Lab’s founder and CEO, emphasized SB-AMTI as a path to a layered, resilient tracking network and highlighted the company’s ability to deliver constellation-scale solutions quickly.

The program seeks to create a robust, real-time space-based sensing system that enhances global security by detecting and tracking airborne threats.

Rocket Lab highlights its proven track record with U.S. government and defense missions and positions the Flatellite package as an end-to-end space systems solution.