Rocket Lab eight satellites reach orbit for Globalstar

Eight satellite platforms that Rocket Lab built for MDA Space have reached orbit, supporting the replenishment of Globalstar's communications constellation.

The spacecraft are the first batch from a 17-satellite order Rocket Lab is building for MDA Space under a USD $143 million contract. Globalstar uses its network for direct-to-device communications services and internet of things applications from orbit.

Rocket Lab established contact with all eight satellites after launch and confirmed that each was generating power and operating normally in orbit. Spacecraft commissioning is now under way.

The work expands Rocket Lab's role in the satellite supply chain beyond launch services by supplying complete spacecraft platforms to a prime contractor. MDA Space is leading the replenishment of Globalstar's existing constellation.

Each platform weighs 500kg and is based on Rocket Lab's Lightning design, adapted for the Globalstar programme. They were built and tested at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, California.

The spacecraft include a range of in-house systems and components, including solar arrays, reaction wheels, flight and ground software, parts of the avionics suite, and telemetry, tracking and command radios.

Constellation work

The deployment marks the first on-orbit batch from the 17 platforms in the MDA Space order. The remaining satellites were not detailed in the announcement, but the contract gives Rocket Lab an ongoing role in renewing the Globalstar network.

Direct-to-device satellite communications have become a closely watched part of the space sector as operators seek to connect mobile devices and sensors in areas beyond terrestrial coverage. Globalstar is one of several companies operating in that market.

Rocket Lab is also producing the Lightning platform for other programmes, including a space domain awareness project with the US Space Force and satellites for the Space Development Agency's Tranche 2 Transport Layer-Beta and Tranche 3 Tracking Layer constellations.

The update offers another sign of how Rocket Lab's space systems business is developing alongside its better-known launch operations. In recent years, the company has expanded from small rocket launches into satellite components, spacecraft manufacturing and mission operations.

That diversification has become an important part of the group's commercial position, particularly as competition in launch services has intensified and governments and commercial operators have placed greater emphasis on constellation programmes. Building satellite platforms allows Rocket Lab to capture a larger share of programme spending and position itself with customers that need repeat manufacturing at scale.

As prime contractor, MDA Space sits between the spacecraft supplier and end customer in this programme. Rocket Lab's role in producing the platforms means the performance of the first eight satellites will be watched closely as commissioning progresses and constellation replenishment continues.

Sir Peter Beck, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rocket Lab, commented on the deployment after the satellites reached orbit.

"Our satellite platforms are a powerful demonstration of Rocket Lab's capabilities brought to life. From spacecraft platform design, build, testing, and on-orbit operations, we're executing across the entire mission lifecycle and our approach is delivering the speed, reliability, and agility that competitive direct-to-device constellations like this one demand. With our scaled manufacturing, operational expertise, and vertically integrated satellite platforms that bring cost and schedule under control, we're positioned to be the partner of choice for the constellation economy and proud to have supported this deployment for MDA Space and its customer Globalstar," said Sir Peter Beck, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rocket Lab.