Rocket Lab has completed its acquisition of Optical Support, Inc., strengthening its capability to support critical defense programs such as the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture and the Golden Dome.
Rocket Lab said Thursday adds 20 experienced employees and 22,000 square feet of advanced machining, testing and integration facilities to its space systems operations.
What Capabilities Does OSI Bring to Rocket Lab?
OSI’s advanced lenses and optomechanical systems serve as critical subsystems in high-performance payloads supporting space protection, space domain awareness, and missile warning, tracking and defense missions. The company has supported programs such as NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and U.S. government defense and intelligence initiatives.
OSI has also been a key supplier to Geost, the electro-optical and infrared sensor systems developer that Rocket Lab acquired in August 2025. Geost now forms part of Rocket Lab Optical Systems, giving Rocket Lab an established working relationship with OSI’s team and technologies.
“Optical systems play a large and vital role in gathering critical data for the most impactful space missions of today and the future, from deep space exploration and Earth observation to national security,” stated Peter Beck, CEO of Rocket Lab. “The high-performing technology behind many of those missions comes from the team at Optical Support, Inc. Welcoming them to Rocket Lab’s portfolio of advanced space systems is a strategic commitment to further strengthening our vertical integration for programs like the PWSA, while ensuring we can serve the expanding needs of the commercial and wider government constellation market.”
What Is Rocket Lab?
Rocket Lab is a launch services and space systems provider, serving defense, commercial and scientific customers. The company is launching NASA’s Aspera small satellites, which will study galaxy formation and evolution, under a $300 million task order awarded in 2025.
Rocket Lab is headquartered in Long Beach, California, and operates facilities in Virginia, New Mexico, Colorado, Maryland, Toronto and New Zealand. The company recently opened Launch Complex 3 on Wallops Island, Virginia, dedicated to testing and launching its reusable Neutron rocket that will support mega-constellation deployment and deep space missions.
