Rocket Lab has rapidly become one of the most important space companies in the world. Now, they’re getting in on defense and national security too.

‍What’s happening:‍

• Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) has been selected to join the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed 2.0 program which was created by the United States Department of Defense
  

Why it matters:‍

• The team Rocket Lab is joining is led by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (NASDAQ: KTOS) and also includes participation from some of the other most important national security companies in America
  

By the numbers:‍

• The total contract is worth up to $1.45B USD over 5 years
  
• Rocket Lab will use their Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron rocket which is capable of carrying up to 700 kilograms of weights
  

Going deeper:‍

• Hypersonic flight testing is enormously important for developing hypersonic capabilities for the American military, which could unlock an entirely new opportunity for Rocket Lab to generate meaningful revenue
  

The intrigue:‍

• Both the University of Minnesota and Purdue University are also involved in the Multi-Service Advanced Capabilities Hypersonic Test Bed 2.0 program

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