Rendering of the Tranche 2 Transport Layer Beta satellites Rocket Lab is building for the SDA. Photo: Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab completed the preliminary design review (PDR) for the Tranche 2 Transport Layer-Beta layer satellites the company is building for the Space Development Agency (SDA), Rocket Lab announced Thursday. With the PDR completed, Rocket Lab now moves into the detailed design phase of the contract.

The SDA awarded Rocket Lab a $515 million contract in 2023 to build 18 satellites to will provide low-latency military data and connectivity as part of the part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The award was notable for Rocket Lab because it was the company’s first contract as a defense prime.

Rocket Lab noted the PDR was a multi-day milestone covering the mission architecture, the space vehicle, launch, operations, and ground systems, along with planned integration and test activities, requirements, technology maturity plans, and overall operational concept.

“This milestone underscores Rocket Lab’s commitment to delivering world-class satellite solutions for national defense,” said Brad Clevenger, president and CEO of the subsidiary Rocket Lab National Security LLC. “Our vertically integrated approach and innovative technologies enable us to meet demanding requirements with precision and efficiency. With this achievement, we are one step closer to deploying advanced satellite systems that will strengthen U.S. defense capabilities in space.”