Rocket Lab Launches First Eight Satellites for MDA Space

Rocket Lab launched the first eight of 17 satellite platforms built for MDA Space on August 15 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The satellites are tailored versions of the company's 500kg Lightning platform and are designed to support direct-to-device communications services for Globalstar.

Rocket Lab confirmed that all eight satellites are performing nominally and generating power in orbit, with spacecraft commissioning now underway. This deployment is the first phase of a $143 million agreement between Rocket Lab and MDA Space to provide a full constellation of 17 platforms intended to extend mobile satellite services to global customers.

Chief Executive Officer Sir Peter Beck stated that the satellite platforms serve as a powerful demonstration of the company's capabilities. He noted that Rocket Lab's scaled manufacturing and vertically integrated platforms position the company as a partner of choice for the constellation economy.