Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (RKLB) shares surged 5.20% in pre-market trading on Wednesday, reacting to the company’s announcement of a major new contract with the U.S. Space Force.

The company disclosed after the close on Tuesday that it had been awarded a $397 million contract under the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) program. Under the deal, Rocket Lab will develop, launch, and operate multiple advanced Flatellite spacecraft equipped with space-based sensors and low-latency communications. The launches will be conducted on the company’s upcoming Neutron rocket, and the contract includes an option for additional satellites.

The contract represents a significant endorsement of Rocket Lab’s vertically integrated model, which spans satellite design, manufacturing, launch, and on-orbit operations. The SB-AMTI program is designed to provide the U.S. military with persistent, real-time tracking of airborne threats in contested environments.