Rocket Lab Unveils Advanced Space-Grade Radios For Deep Space Missions

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. RKLB has introduced an upgraded selection of space-qualified radio frequency (RF) communication systems, broadening its Frontier radio series.

These software-defined, flight-tested radios are designed to support telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C), delivering dependable and secure communication across diverse orbital conditions.

Built upon the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory’s Frontier Lite radio, the radio systems have more than 13 years of in-flight experience.

Now offered in L-, S-, C-, X-, and Ka-band variants, they deliver enhanced functionality, including ranging waveforms for precise radiometric navigation.

The Frontier radios feature a lightweight and compact design, enabling integration with a wide range of satellite platforms.

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“While much of the industry struggles with supply chain challenges, Rocket Lab continues to demonstrate that it is the right partner for merchant component supply to the most demanding missions,” said Vice President of Rocket Lab Space Systems, Brad Clevenger.

Engineered from scratch for durability in space environments, they are designed to work with major global ground station networks, such as NASA’s Deep Space Network, Near Earth Network, Air Force Satellite Control Network, KSAT, SSC, and Viasat.

This latest RF communications suite broadens Rocket Lab’s space components portfolio, which already includes reaction wheels, star trackers, solar power systems, flight software, and separation systems.

Frontier radios have already demonstrated success on a range of missions, including Rocket Lab’s Photon Pathstone, three Rocket Lab Pioneer spacecraft for Varda Space Industries, NASA’s CAPSTONE, NASA’s Europa Clipper, NASA’s Solar Probe Plus, the Emirates Mars Mission, and the Van Allen Probes.

Additionally, the Frontier L-band radio will be utilized in Viasat’s hybrid space communications demonstrations for NASA’s Communications Services Project.

Price Action: RKLB shares traded lower by 7.14% at $17.96 at last check Thursday.

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