Redwire Corp. (NYSE: RDW), Rocket Lab Corp. (NASDAQ: RKLB), and Firefly Aerospace Inc. (NASDAQ: FLY) have been selected by the U.S. Space Force to participate in a contract vehicle valued at up to $981 million. The award, known as NITE-STAR, was announced by Space Systems Command on July 31.
The contract is a multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle. It covers two five-year ordering periods, with the potential to extend through 2036. The goal is to provide test and training tools for Space Force Guardians to prepare for engagements against peer adversaries. The vehicle is open to the entire test and training enterprise within the command.
Space Systems Command named 15 vendors to the roster. The list includes units of major defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE: LMT), Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA), Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE: NOC), and L3Harris Technologies Inc. (NYSE: LHX). It also includes privately held Sierra Space and seven other firms. All 15 vendors compete under the same $981 million ceiling. Revenue is generated only when individual task orders are issued, and there is no guarantee of an even split of the funds.
Redwire announced its selection on Thursday. The company stated that its subsidiary, Redwire Space Missions LLC, holds the award. Mike Gold, president of Redwire Space, described the selection as underscoring the company's role as a trusted provider of mission-critical spacecraft systems and digital engineering solutions. Redwire explicitly noted that there is no guaranteed revenue associated with the award.
According to market data, Redwire closed at $11.27 on Wednesday, up 48.3% for the year but down 56.5% from its May 28 close of $25.90. Rocket Lab finished at $70.31, up 0.8% for the year and 53.2% below its late-May peak. Firefly closed at $21.90, down 2.1% for the year and 62.8% below its May high.
