US Space Force Invests $397 Million in Rocket Lab's 'Flatellites' for Enhanced Threat Detection
The US Space Force (USSF) has announced a significant investment in advanced satellite technology to bolster its threat detection capabilities. As part of the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) program, the USSF has signed a $397 million contract with Rocket Lab, a space systems firm based in Long Beach, California. Rocket Lab will deploy its innovative 'flatellites' in low earth orbit (LEO) to track airborne threats. These flatellites are designed for large constellations, featuring space-based sensors and high bandwidth communication links. The program aims to enhance existing military technologies that track moving targets in the air, addressing risks posed by sophisticated anti-access/area-denial systems. Additionally, SpaceX has been awarded a $4.16 billion contract to build a satellite constellation for the same program, expected to be operational by 2028. 
