Rocket Lab announced it has secured new Pentagon-related defense work tied to the Trump administration’s “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative and expanded U.S. efforts in hypersonic weapons testing.

The company, which operates in the United States and New Zealand, is working with defense contractor Raytheon to develop technologies for a Space Force program focused on space-based missile interceptors.

The initiative aims to create an orbital defense system capable of countering ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missile threats.

Rocket Lab said the program represents a major long-term opportunity, though companies must invest their own funds upfront to qualify for larger future contracts, Space News has reported.

The United States Space Force is using streamlined contracting methods to speed up development and encourage competition among defense firms.