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Rocket Lab awarded $151M SHIELD program contract with up to $151B total contract value; positions company for multiple future launch and space systems contracts in defense architecture
Peter Beck· Rocket Lab· Space· 2026-02-27· about Rocket Lab, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), SHIELD program (RKLB)
“We received another strong vote of confidence and our ability to deliver on critical national security and defense programs when we were recently selected by the MDA for SHIELD. In short, we're now on boarded to the program which has a contract values up to $151 billion, giving us the opportunity to compete for future launch and space systems contracts that deliver these capabilities to the warfighter with increased agility.”
Why it matters
SHIELD selection signals Rocket Lab's qualification on a major defense program architecture. The $151B total contract value indicates significant future opportunity for both launch services and space systems, dependent on winning competitive selections within the program.
Investment implication
Other launch providers and space systems integrators now face competition for SHIELD work. Suppliers of propulsion, avionics, power, and thermal systems should expect increased qualification and integration demand from Rocket Lab and competing primes on SHIELD contracts.