Rocket Lab to start launching missile-defense missions from Alaska under $266 million Space Force deal

Rocket Lab has signed a contract with the U.S. Space Force to launch up to 18 missile-defense missions, most of them from the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Alaska.

Rocket Lab is expanding its launch operations to the snowy north.

The California-based company, which already flies from New Zealand and Virginia, just inked a $266 million deal with the U.S. Space Force to fly up to 18 missile-defense missions, most of them from Alaska.