Mentioned:
The United States Space Force is deepening their commitment to launching payloads into orbit. And they’re cutting a new multi billion dollar deal to do it.
What’s happening:
- Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) and Stoke Space have won a new contract with the United States Space Force that has a maximum potential value of $5.6B USD
By the numbers:
- Rocket Lab and Stoke Space will both receive $5M USD up front to begin an assessment of their capabilities for upcoming missions
- The United States Space Force contract allows for an initial ordering period of approximately 4 years, with the option to extend for another 5 years
Why it matters:
- The United States Space Force will partner with both Rocket Lab and Stoke Space to launch National Security Space payloads into orbit
Going deeper:
- The United States Space Force is already closely collaborating with some of the leading aerospace companies in America, including Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance
- Stoke Space recently made waves when they raised a mega funding round to advance their reusable rockets, which was led by some of the world’s most prominent venture capital investors including Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Point72
The intrigue:
- Rocket Lab has previously won multiple contracts focused on American defense and security, including testing their rockets for hypersonic flight capabilities with the United States Department of Defense
