US Space Force Advances SB-AMTI Program with $397 Million Rocket Lab Contract

The US Space Force is advancing its Space-Based Air Moving Target Indication (SB-AMTI) program, deploying a next-generation surveillance network in low Earth orbit to enhance tracking and early-warning capabilities for air moving targets. The program is designed to counter threats posed by anti-access/area denial systems to existing air-based and ground-based monitoring platforms. As a core component, the Space Force has signed a $397 million contract with aerospace company Rocket Lab to deploy its Flatellite spacecraft. In addition, the Space Force has signed a $218 million cooperation agreement with another unnamed company, while SpaceX previously received a $4.16 billion order to build the SB-AMTI satellite constellation.

Rocket Lab, headquartered in Long Beach, California, designed Flatellite specifically for large-scale satellite constellations, offering low-latency, high-bandwidth communications and space-based sensing capabilities. The satellite employs a low-profile flat architecture that integrates propulsion systems, flight software, avionics, reaction wheels, star trackers, solar panels, radios and fuel tanks into a compact frame, simplifying mass production and enabling efficient stacked launches within rocket fairings. Under the plan, Rocket Lab will use its in-development Neutron reusable medium-lift rocket for launch missions. The rocket stands 43 meters tall with a 13-ton low Earth orbit payload capacity, designed for constellation deployment and deep-space exploration. After launch, Rocket Lab will operate the satellites directly from its secure facilities, transmitting data and target-tracking information to the Space Force in real time.