Rocket Lab USA, Inc. RKLB on Thursday said it has successfully completed the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 2 Transport Layer-Beta (T2TL-Beta) program.
This advancement represents a significant milestone for Rocket Lab as the primary contractor of the $515 million contract granted in early 2024.
The agreement encompasses the design, integration, testing, and commissioning of 18 state-of-the-art data transport satellites for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture of the U.S. Department of Defense.
The Preliminary Design Review (PDR) represents a crucial advancement into the detailed design stage, confirming that Rocket Lab's satellite design aligns with the demanding specifications of the mission.
This in-depth analysis encompassed mission architecture, spacecraft design, launch procedures, and integration strategies.
The satellites play an essential role in the PWSA, a constellation positioned in low Earth orbit that aims to deliver secure, low-latency communications and missile tracking capabilities for the defense of the United States.
Brad Clevenger, Rocket Lab’s President and CEO of National Security, emphasized that the milestone demonstrates the company’s commitment to delivering world-class satellite solutions.
The satellites will incorporate Rocket Lab’s vertically integrated subsystems, allowing for enhanced management of expenses, timelines, and quality standards.
According to Benzinga Pro, RKLB stock has gained over 402% in the past year. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF ARKX.
Price Action: RKLB shares closed at $27.36 on Wednesday.
