Rocket Lab USA initiates national security subsidiary

Launch and space systems company Rocket Lab USA has created Rocket Lab National Security LLC (RLNS), a subsidiary the firm said would serve the defense and intelligence community.

RLNS is slated to deliver reliable launch services and space systems capabilities to the domestic government and its allies – adding since Rocket Lab USA’s initial launch of the Electron rocket five years ago, the company has conducted multiple successful launches for national security customers.

Rocket Lab USA, based in Long Beach, Calif., designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle and the Photon satellite platform and is developing the large Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment.

“Across our launch and space systems offerings, we have the privilege of working with the full spectrum of space users from primes, commercial constellation operators, and small start-ups to U.S. and Allied government customers,” Rocket Lab USA Global Government Launch Services Senior Director Brian Rogers said. “Through Electron, Neutron and Space Systems, we’ve got first-hand experience of each market’s unique needs. Top of the list for national security is reliability and responsiveness, something we’ve delivered on across multiple missions already. With Rocket Lab National Security, we’re building on this strong heritage to deliver tailored capabilities that evolve as the nation’s needs do.”

The company has successfully launched national security customers, including missions for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the U.S. Space Force, and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).