Rocket Lab Shatters Responsive Space Record: Launches U.S. Space Force VICTUS HAZE Mission in 16 Hours 42 Minutes

Live updates

1. 3d ago

   Rocket Lab Launches U.S. Space Force VICTUS HAZE Mission in Record Time

   Rocket Lab launched the U.S. Space Force's VICTUS HAZE mission in 16 hours 42 minutes, shattering the responsive space record. The company has also won a $266 million contract for 12 HASTE launches from Kodiak, Alaska. This achievement showcases Rocket Lab's capabilities in responsive space launches.

   Why it matters

   The VICTUS HAZE mission demonstrates Rocket Lab's ability to quickly respond to changing circumstances, a critical capability for space-based defense systems. The company's record-breaking launch highlights its growing importance in the space industry. Responsive space launches are essential for national security and commercial applications.

   What is confirmed

   • Rocket Lab launched the U.S. Space Force's VICTUS HAZE mission in 16 hours 42 minutes.
   • Rocket Lab has won a $266 million contract with the U.S. Space Force for 12 HASTE launches from Kodiak, Alaska.
   • Rocket Lab launched a Japanese radar-imaging satellite, iQPS, on August 6.

   What to watch next

   • The outcome of the 12 HASTE launches from Kodiak, Alaska
   • The impact of Rocket Lab's responsive space capabilities on national security and commercial applications
   • The performance of the Japanese radar-imaging satellite, iQPS
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. mynews13.com — SpaceX successfully launches latest Starlink mission
   2. www.scientificamerican.com — A SpaceX rocket is about to hit the moon—these videos show what could happen
   3. spacenews.com — Rocket Lab launches 8th iQPS satellite
   4. arstechnica.com — The first self-driving vehicle on Mars has proven to be a smashing success
   confidence 90%
2. 14d ago

   Rocket Lab Secures $266M Space Force Contract for Hypersonic Tests

   Rocket Lab has won a $266 million contract with the U.S. Space Force for hypersonic suborbital tests. These 12 HASTE launches will operate from the Kodiak, Alaska spaceport. This follows the company's recent record-breaking responsive launch for the VICTUS HAZE mission.

   What's confirmed:

   • Rocket Lab received a $266 million Space Force contract for 12 HASTE hypersonic suborbital test launches from Kodiak, Alaska.
   • The Kodiak, Alaska spaceport is the only U.S. commercial spaceport with unobstructed polar-orbit range.
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. Rocket Lab Locks In $266M Space Force Deal for Hypersonic Tests at Alaska Spaceport
   2. Lucky 13! Starship deploys Starlink satellites and splashes down intact
   confidence 100%
3. 42d ago

   Rocket Lab Sets Responsive Space Record with VICTUS HAZE Mission

   Rocket Lab launched a Pioneer spacecraft for the U.S. Space Force using an Electron rocket. The launch took place 16 hours and 42 minutes after the Notice to Launch. The mission serves as a military exercise to identify and characterize space threats.

   What's confirmed:

   • Rocket Lab launched the VICTUS HAZE mission 16 hours and 42 minutes after receiving the U.S. Space Force Notice to Launch.
   • The launch used an Electron rocket to deploy a Pioneer spacecraft.
   • This mission beat the previous record by more than 10 hours.
   • The spacecraft is now commissioned and performing orbital maneuvers.
   • Rocket Lab provided a turnkey solution including design, build, launch, and 24/7 on orbit operations.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The launch occurred on June 19.
   • The mission is a capability milestone for the Department of War.
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. Rocket Lab Shatters Responsive Space Record: Launches U.S. Space Force ...
   2. Rocket Lab Shatters Responsive Space Record: Launches U.S. Space Force ...
   3. Rocket Lab established an all-time record for the velocity of rocket ...
   4. Rocket Lab successfully completes complex Victus Haze mission for U.S ...
   5. Rocket Lab launches satellite for U.S. Space Force Victus Haze ...
   6. Space Force Cuts Rocket Launch Notice to 16 Hours
   7. Rocket Lab Shatters Responsive Space Record: Launches U.S. Space Force ...
   8. Launches U.S. Space Force VICTUS HAZE Mission in 16 Hours 42 ...
   confidence 95%
4. 46d ago

   Rocket Lab Sets Responsive Space Record for U.S. Space Force

   Rocket Lab launched a Pioneer spacecraft for the U.S. Space Force VICTUS HAZE mission. The launch occurred 16 hours and 42 minutes after the initial call-up. This mission is part of the Tactically Responsive Space program led by the Space Systems Command.

   What's confirmed:

   • Rocket Lab launched the VICTUS HAZE mission for the U.S. Space Force in 16 hours and 42 minutes.
   • The mission used an Electron rocket to deploy a Pioneer spacecraft.
   • The launch set a Tactically Responsive Space record.
   • The mission was led by the Space Systems Command's Space Safari Program Office.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • A U.S. military exercise in space began with very few people noticing.
   • A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded during a test fire shortly after 9 p.m. ET.
   • The Super Heavy booster failed to perform a water-landing during the 12th Starship test flight.
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. SpaceX launches 12th Starship test flight; booster fails
   2. Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket explodes during test fire
   3. A US military exercise in space got underway with barely anyone noticing
   4. Rocket Lab launches satellite for U.S. Space Force Victus Haze responsive space exercise
   5. Space Force Mission Goes from Orders to Launch in Less than 17 Hours
   6. Rocket Lab Launches Second USSF Victus Haze Spacecraft
   7. Rocket Lab Shatters Responsive Space Record: Launches U.S. Space Force VICTUS HAZE Mission in 16 Hours 42 Minutes
   8. Space Force Ordered a Satellite Launch—and Had It in Orbit 17 Hours Later
   9. Last night's SpaceX rocket launch creates striking views in California
   10. Rocket Lab launches US Space Force satellite in record 16-hour call-up
   11. Rocket Lab Shatters Responsive Space Record: Launches U.S. Space Force ...
   12. Rocket Lab Shatters Responsive Space Record: Launches U.S. Space Force ...
   confidence 100%