Category: 3. Business

News release

Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, Josipa Petrunić, President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), and Marie Lapointe, President and General Manager for the Association de l’industrie électrique du Québec (AIEQ), announced a joint investment of over $1.2 million to support a study, data analysis and performance assessments on the use of battery electric buses by transit agencies throughout Canada.

Quotes

“This project is a prime example of how strong collaboration towards a common goal can lead to innovation and growth in our communities. By supporting comprehensive planning today, we’re laying the groundwork for future projects that will create jobs, grow the economy, and protect our environment for generations to come.”

The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

“This initiative highlights how collaboration and forward-thinking planning can enhance the lives of Canadians. By prioritizing transit infrastructure now, we are creating opportunities for economic development, improving quality of life, and ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future for generations ahead.”

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages

“Through this project, transit agencies across Canada are gaining the evidence and insights they need to plan their transition to zero emission fleets with confidence. By working together and sharing real-world performance data, we’re ensuring that communities of all sizes, from coast to coast, have the tools to electrify transit in ways that are reliable, affordableand sustainable for the long term.”    

Josipa Petrunić, President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium 

“This is great news for large-scale transportation electrification in Canada. We look forward to sharing the results of these studies in Québec with our members, including STM, and organizations like Propulsion Québec and the Vallée de la Transition Énergétique.”

Marie Lapointe, CEO of the Association de l’industrie électrique du Québec (AIEQ)

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada is contributing $990,246 to this project through the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF) and CUTRIC membership is contributing $247,562.

• To date, Canadian transit agencies/municipalities have agreed to share their valuable knowledge and findings into this dataset, which will help to inform other agencies and cities looking to begin a similar process for transitioning to zero emission transit in their communities.

• The ZETF helps communities transition to zero emission transit and school buses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• The ZETF is part of the Canada Public Transit Fund, which will provide an average of $3 billion annually annually on a permanent basis to respond to local transit needs by enhancing integrated planning, improving access to public transit and active transportation, and supporting the development of more affordable, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

• Through an agreement with CUTRIC, the Government of Canada is investing $10 million through the ZETF over five years to help transit bus operators to complete planning work and increase their level of readiness to transition to zero emissions bus fleets.

• CUTRIC’s mission is to support the commercialization of technologies through industry-led collaborative research, development, demonstration and integration projects that bring innovative design to Canada’s low-carbon smart mobility ecosystem.

Associated links

Contacts

For more information (media only), please contact:

Renée LeBlanc Proctor
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
Renee.Proctor@infc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

Media Relations
Association de l’industrie électrique du Québec (AIEQ)
Email: communications@aieq.net

Kayla Moyes 
Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC)
kayla.moyes@talkshopmedia.com

Rocket Lab’s largest contract to date solidifies its position as a disruptive force in national security space, redefining the speed and efficiency of satellite production and challenging legacy aerospace primes. 

Long Beach, California. December 19, 2025 –  Rocket Lab USA, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a leading launch and space systems company, today announced it has been awarded a landmark prime contract by the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) to design and manufacture 18 satellites for the Tracking Layer Tranche 3 (TRKT3) program under the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The award is Rocket Lab’s largest single contract to date and underscores its growing reputation as a trusted prime in national security space.

 

Under the $816 million contract, Rocket Lab will deliver satellites equipped with advanced missile warning, tracking, and defense sensors to provide global, persistent detection and tracking of emerging missile threats, including hypersonic systems. The award includes a $806 million base contract plus up to $10.45 million in options. Each satellite will feature Rocket Lab’s next-generation Phoenix infrared sensor payload, a wide field-of-view (WFOV) solution designed to meet the evolving missile defense needs of national security space. To ensure mission resilience, the satellites will be equipped with Rocket Lab’s advanced StarLite space protection sensors, designed to safeguard the constellation against directed energy threats. Notably, StarLite sensors have also been adopted by other prime contractors developing TRKT3 satellites, further expanding Rocket Lab’s role in the program and unlocking additional contract value beyond its own satellite production. In addition to the $816M prime contract award value, as a leading merchant supplier into the other TRKT3 prime contractors, there are additional subsystem opportunities that could take the total capture value to approximately $1 billion for supplying items such as payloads, solar solutions, attitude determination and control components, software, and other solutions from our broad portfolio of capabilities.

 

Disrupting Traditional Defense Primes with Vertical Integration

Rocket Lab’s satellites will be built on its proven Lightning platform, leveraging the Company’s vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities to deliver an unmatched combination of speed, cost efficiency, and quality. All major components – from solar arrays, reaction wheels and star trackers to propulsion systems, avionics, payloads, and launch dispensers – are designed and produced in-house. This end-to-end approach enables Rocket Lab to rapidly scale production while maintaining control over cost and schedule, a critical advantage in meeting the urgent demands of national security missions.

 

“The Tranche 3 Tracking Layer constellation is part of the U.S. Space Force’s strategy to counter rapidly evolving global threats, ensuring the nation’s defense capabilities remain ahead of adversaries. Rocket Lab is honored to play a role in enabling this,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck. “Demand for resilient, scalable, and affordable space systems continues to grow, and this award demonstrates that Rocket Lab is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in delivering solutions that meet the needs of national security. As the only commercial provider producing both spacecraft and payloads in-house for the SDA Tracking Layer, Rocket Lab is delivering a truly disruptive solution that combines speed, resilience, and affordability. This contract underscores that Rocket Lab’s vertically integrated approach isn’t just a competitive advantage – we’re enabling a fundamental shift in how national security space programs are executed.”

 

Building on Momentum: $1.3 Billion in SDA Contracts Awarded

This contract builds on Rocket Lab’s existing $515 million award to deliver 18 satellites for SDA’s Transport Layer-Beta Tranche 2 program, which provides secure, low-latency communications across the PWSA. The more than $1.3 billion in contract value now awarded to Rocket Lab by SDA demonstrates strong confidence in Rocket Lab’s ability to execute on large-scale, high-stakes national security programs. 

 

Rocket Lab’s growing role as a prime contractor for the U.S. Space Force highlights its emergence as a formidable competitor to legacy aerospace primes. By combining technology, vertical integration, and a proven track record of delivering results, Rocket Lab is redefining what’s possible in national security space.

 

###

+ Rocket Lab Media Contact

media@rocketlabusa.com

 

+ About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a leading space company that provides launch services, spacecraft, payloads, and satellite components serving commercial, government, and national security markets. Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket; its HASTE rocket provides hypersonic test launch capability for the U.S. government and allied nations; and its Neutron launch vehicle in development will unlock medium launch for constellation deployment, national security and exploration missions. Rocket Lab’s spacecraft and satellite components have enabled more than 1,700 missions spanning commercial, defense and national security missions including GPS, constellations, and exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, and Venus. Rocket Lab is a publicly listed company on the Nasdaq stock exchange (RKLB). Learn more at www.rocketlabcorp.com.

 

+ Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding our launch and space systems operations, launch schedule and window, safe and repeatable access to space, Neutron development, operational expansion and business strategy are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “plan,” “target,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the factors, risks and uncertainties included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Relations section of our website at www.rocketlabcorp.com, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. 

Ottawa residents showed their tremendous support by giving to the 41^st OC Transpo / Loblaw Annual Holiday Food Drive held on Saturday, December 13. This is the largest annual, single-day grocery store food drive in Ottawa and has been supporting the Ottawa Food Bank since it began operating in 1984. The annual food drive raised almost 88,000 pounds of food and more than $26,500 for the Ottawa Food Bank and its network of 71 member agencies, and four other Ottawa region food banks. This year’s total is more than twice the weight of a 40-foot bus!

OC Transpo buses and volunteers were on site at several Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Your Independent Grocer and No Frills locations in Ottawa to remind residents of the opportunity to donate. Residents donated food and made monetary donations at participating stores last Saturday. All the food items collected were delivered directly to the Ottawa Food Bank, the Stittsville Food Bank, the Richmond Food Bank, the Barrhaven Food Cupboard, and the Kanata Food Cupboard.

 

Quotes

“Visiting the stores and seeing so many Ottawa residents stepping up to donate food and support families in need was truly moving. It reminded me just how caring and generous this city is. A heartfelt thank you to every volunteer, to OC Transpo, and our partners at Loblaw and the Ottawa Food Bank. Together, you’re helping neighbours across Ottawa enjoy a brighter holiday season.”

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, City of Ottawa

 

“Local food banks are experiencing the highest demand in their history, with over one in four households in Ottawa struggling to afford enough to eat. From the very beginning, OC Transpo and Loblaw have played a vital role through their annual food drive. During this season of giving, it’s wonderful to see City of Ottawa staff and community members come together to make a meaningful difference for those in need.”

Councillor Glen Gower, Chair, Transit Commission

 

“The OC Transpo/Loblaw Holiday Food Drive is a yearly tradition that our store colleagues look forward to and are excited to support. As food retailers, with food insecurity continuing to rise, it is really important for us to support our community in the most meaningful way possible, to help put food on the table for those in need. A lot of work goes into this event and we want to thank our partners at the Ottawa Food Bank, OC Transpo, colleagues in our stores, and most importantly, the volunteers that gave up their day and our customers and community that always step up when our city needs it the most.”

Jeff Brierley, Store Manager, Brierley’s Independent Grocer

 

“Ottawa’s incredible generosity and support of the OC Transpo/Loblaw Holiday Food Drive helps neighbours across our city access nutritious food. With more than one in four households in Ottawa struggling to afford enough healthy food, your contributions are urgently needed and deeply appreciated. Those most at risk of hunger are families with children and individuals living alone. Thanks to your donations of food and funds, nearly 100 community food programs across Ottawa can provide these households with the nourishment they need.”

Rachael Wilson, CEO, Ottawa Food Bank

 

Quick Facts:

• The OC Transpo / Loblaw Annual Holiday Food Drive is Ottawa’s largest annual single-day grocery store food drive.
• Currently, over one in four households in Ottawa struggle to afford enough to eat.
• Annually, more than 588,000 visits are made to food programs across Ottawa – nearly a 101 per cent increase since 2019, and the highest level in the Ottawa Food Bank’s 41-year history.
• To date, this food drive has raised over three million pounds of food and thousands of dollars for Ottawa’s most vulnerable residents.
• The Ottawa Food Bank distributes nearly 8.3 million pounds of food; 43 per cent is fresh and includes items like fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy, bread and eggs.
• The Ottawa Food Bank works in partnership with a network of approximately 100 food programs that include community food banks, food cupboards, meal programs, kids’ summer nutrition programs, and after–school snack programs.
• 37 percent of food bank clients in Ottawa are children. 
• The OC Transpo / Loblaw Annual Holiday Food Drive collects for five local food banks: the Ottawa Food Bank, the Stittsville Food Bank, the Richmond Food Bank, the Barrhaven Food Cupboard and the Kanata Food Cupboard.                                                                                    

About Ottawa Food Bank

The Ottawa Food Bank is the main emergency food provider in the National Capital Region and has been serving the community since 1984. The Ottawa Food Bank works in partnership with a network of nearly 100 community food programs that include community food banks, food cupboards, meal programs, kids’ summer nutrition programs, and after-school snack programs. The Ottawa Food Bank network receives more than 588,000 visits for food support annually. Sadly, 37% of Ottawa Food Bank clients are children. With a focus on fresh, and thanks to the community’s support, nearly 8.3 million pounds of food is distributed from the 2001 Bantree Street warehouse each year.

 

For more information about OC Transpo, including updates and trip planning assistance, visit octranspo.com, use the Travel Planner, or call 613-560-5000. You can also connect with OC Transpo on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

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For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.