The agreement is intended to support a new class of always-connected interceptor systems seen as central to the future Golden Dome concept for continental defence. Kymeta said its conformal technology will enable multi-orbit, real-time satellite connectivity that provides mid-course updates, improves accuracy and strengthens resilience in contested environments.
Kymeta highlighted that its conformal antenna design uses the electromagnetic properties of metamaterials that underpin its existing engineering work. The company stated that the surface-integrated configuration replaces gimballed or phased array systems, reducing drag and detectability while improving performance.
The firms said the lightweight and low-profile nature of metamaterial components, combined with iRocket’s propulsion and interceptor technologies, will improve mission effectiveness. They noted that benefits include enhanced performance, reduced size, weight and power demands, improved signal detection and security, and resilient multi-orbit and multi-band communications.
“With the U.S. government pushing to integrate cutting-edge commercial technology into military capabilities faster, and more flexibly, than traditional rigid procurement strategies allow, our work with iRocket meets this need and demonstrates how our metamaterial technology and their advanced rockets can jointly deliver critical new defense capabilities,” said Manny Mora, President and CEO of Kymeta. “We have demonstrated the power of our metamaterials for mobile, multi-orbit satellite communications. Now, we are applying that same innovation to help solve some of the most complex challenges in missile defense and space domain awareness.”
iRocket described the partnership as a driver of next-generation systems across defence and space. “Integrating Kymeta’s metamaterial technology is a game-changer for our missile and spaceplatforms,” said Asad Malik, Founder, Chairman and CEO of iRocket. “This collaboration will enable us to build smarter, faster, and more efficient systems that can outperform existing technologies. It is a critical step toward advancing our mission of delivering rapid, responsive, and reusable capabilities to the defense and space sectors.”
Both companies said the initiative marks a significant step in applying advanced commercial technologies to national defence. Joint development and testing will begin immediately, with initial integration trials scheduled for the second half of 2026.
