Rocket Lab Launches First Eight Satellites Under 143 Million US Dollar Deal

Rocket Lab Launches First Eight Satellites Under 143 Million US Dollar Deal

August 17, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

US space company Rocket Lab has launched the first eight satellite platforms it is building for MDA Space under a 143 million US dollar contract, marking the initial deployment of a 17-satellite constellation designed to replenish Globalstar’s network.

The eight satellites were launched on August 15 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 9:12pm Eastern Time, according to Rocket Lab. The company said it has established contact with all eight spacecraft and confirmed that they are generating power and operating normally in orbit.

MDA Space is the prime contractor for Globalstar’s constellation replenishment programme, which is intended to support direct-to-device communications and internet-of-things applications.

The 143 million US dollar agreement covers 17 satellite platforms. Rocket Lab was contracted by MDA Space to design and manufacture the spacecraft platforms, expanding its role beyond launch services into satellite manufacturing and space systems.

The 500-kilogram platforms are customised versions of Rocket Lab’s Lightning satellite platform. They were built and tested at the company’s headquarters in Long Beach, California, and include Rocket Lab-developed components such as solar arrays, reaction wheels, flight and ground software, avionics and telemetry, tracking and command radios.

Spacecraft commissioning has begun following the launch, with the satellites expected to become part of Globalstar’s existing network once commissioning is completed.

The Lightning platform is also being produced for other government and commercial missions, including programmes involving the US Space Force and the Space Development Agency.

The launch highlights Rocket Lab’s expansion across the satellite supply chain, from spacecraft design and manufacturing to launch and on-orbit operations. The company has described its vertically integrated approach as a way to control costs and delivery schedules for satellite constellation customers.

The remaining platforms under the MDA Space contract are expected to form part of the wider replenishment programme for Globalstar’s satellite network.

Source: FSX Business News