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Space Force Awards $615M Contracts for Airborne Target Tracking

August 7, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Space Force awards $615 million contracts for airborne target tracking.
Rocket Lab and STR are among the winners.
The program aims to track aircraft and missile threats from orbit.
Awards are part of the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator program.

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Strategic Implications

This award may indicate the Space Force's focus on diversifying its capabilities and ensuring multiple technical solutions for airborne target indication. The involvement of Rocket Lab and STR suggests a shift towards leveraging commercial innovations and technologies, which could enhance the program's effectiveness and provide a competitive edge.

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What Happened

Rocket Lab and STR Among Winners in Space-Based Sensing Program

The US Space Force has awarded contracts totaling $615 million to Rocket Lab, Systems & Technology Research, and a third unidentified company to develop technologies for a satellite network intended to track aircraft and missile threats from orbit. The awards are part of the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator program, which aims to provide the military with persistent tracking over areas where surveillance aircraft may be unable to operate safely. The program is being developed to detect, track, and maintain custody of airborne targets, including fighter aircraft, bombers, and cruise missiles. This development was first reported by SpaceNews.

Source | Originally Published: August 4, 2026

Companies Mentioned