The U.S. Space Force has selected K2 Space and Rocket Lab as key subcontractors for its next-generation protected satellite communications program. The two companies will supply spacecraft buses to prime contractors SES and Viasat, respectively, supporting a critical effort to harden military satcom links against jamming and cyber threats.
K2 Space will provide its K2-XL bus platform to SES, a large satellite with high power and payload capacity designed for medium-Earth orbit. Rocket Lab, via its recently acquired satellite manufacturing division, will deliver a smaller bus to Viasat. Both buses are intended to host advanced anti-jam payloads that ensure secure connectivity for U.S. forces in contested environments.
Contracts were awarded under the Space Force's PACE (Proliferated Architecture for Communications Enhancement) program, which seeks to field a layered constellation of protected satcom satellites by the late 2020s. The selection leverages commercial innovation to accelerate deployment timelines and reduce costs compared to traditional military procurement.
For K2 Space, the win marks a major validation of its high-power satellite bus, which the startup has touted as a disruptive force in the space industry. Rocket Lab's role further expands its presence in defense contracting, following its recent pivot toward larger spacecraft and national security missions. SES and Viasat are each expected to build multiple satellites under separate PACE contracts.
Critics caution that relying on smaller commercial suppliers for critical military infrastructure introduces integration and schedule risks. Both K2 Space and Rocket Lab are relatively new to large-scale defense space programs, and any production delays could cascade across the PACE constellation timeline.