Rocket Lab Space Systems Inc.

Published purpose

Rocket Lab Toronto has successfully manufactured and sold ST-16RT2 star trackers to the global small satellite market for 10 years. The ST-16TR2 product is well positioned for low Earth orbit missions, however, it was not designed for missions operating in more severe environments. Following Rocket Labs “careful COTS” approach, this project will undertake research, selection, and tests of commercial components to qualify them for severe environments. These components will be used to develop a new star tracker product suitable for a broader range of environments, increasing the market accessible to Rocket Lab star tracker products. This development will benefit Canada by providing a sovereign star tracker product for satellite missions. It is also the first step towards further developments of the product for future Space Situational Awareness purposes that is critical in providing Canadians' security and defense capability.