Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB), a global space launch vehicle and space systems company, has set a new global standard in the rapid space launch sector by successfully executing 'VICTUS HAZE,' a tactical responsive space (TacRS) mission for the United States Space Force (USSF). Rocket Lab officially announced this success on the 22nd (local time).

16 Hours and 42 Minutes From Launch Notice to Liftoff On June 19 at 10:19 p.m. (New Zealand local time), Rocket Lab launched its Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1, located on the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand, successfully inserting its independently developed Pioneer spacecraft into orbit.

This mission was a project led by the Space Safari Program under the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC). It demonstrated overwhelming speed by shortening the record set by the previous TacRS mission, 'VICTUS NOX,' by more than 10 hours. The key achievements are as follows:

• Ultra-Fast Launch Preparation: The time from receiving the Notice To Launch from the U.S. Space Force to the actual launch was a mere 16 hours and 42 minutes.
• Rapid Trajectory Calculation: Rocket Lab's Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) team calculated the final flight trajectory and updated the flight software in approximately four hours, while also completing preparations for integration with global ground stations.
• Orbital Maneuver Record Broken: The Pioneer spacecraft completed preparations for its first orbital maneuver 37 hours and 36 minutes after launch. This is more than 34 hours faster than the 72-hour limit required by the mission.

First Single Prime Contractor to Integrate the Entire Process Notably, VICTUS HAZE holds great significance as the first TacRS mission in which a single prime contractor performed the entire process in an integrated manner, from spacecraft manufacturing to launch and orbital operations. Rocket Lab independently designed, manufactured, and tested the Pioneer spacecraft, and has been responsible for orbital operations following the launch.

The Pioneer spacecraft is currently performing rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) in low Earth orbit. This is a simulation of a rapid threat response scenario targeting a non-compliant satellite. As the military importance of space grows, the ability to rapidly launch satellites to track and image specific objects and monitor their activities in real time is expected to significantly enhance the Space Domain Awareness and intelligence-gathering capabilities of the United States and its allies.

Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck stated, "The ability to execute integrated missions combining launch vehicles and spacecraft is a game-changing technology in the field of rapid space response." He added, "We have demonstrated that we can launch on demand using a ready spacecraft, showing that we can rapidly support the space security of the United States and its allies." He continued, "The ability to augment and reconstitute national security space infrastructure at a desired time is the core of modern space power. I am proud to deliver next-generation space capabilities."

U.S. Space Force Space Safari Program Manager Lt. Col. Lincoln Miller evaluated, "VICTUS HAZE represents the final demonstration in the TacRS program's 'crawl, walk, run' phase." He added, "We have proven that we can transition a complex spacecraft into an operational state and immediately begin proximity operations within 72 hours." He also noted, "Performing rendezvous and proximity operations in a short time during a crisis or conflict is never easy," but stated, "This demonstration has shown that we can secure the capability to not cede a preemptive advantage to the enemy in a new orbital environment."

Overwhelming Speed Created by Vertical Integration This success is an extension of the rapid space mission execution experience that Rocket Lab has accumulated. Last year, the company drew industry attention by successfully launching two Electron rockets from different hemispheres in less than 24 hours. Rocket Lab is currently evaluated as one of the companies with the fastest and most reliable launch cadence in the small launch vehicle market.

Behind this remarkable achievement lies robust vertical integration. Most of the core components of the Pioneer spacecraft, including the propulsion system, solar panels, reaction wheels, communication equipment, star trackers, structural components, fuel tanks, and flight software, were built using Rocket Lab's own technology. This reduced dependence on external supply chains and increased component compatibility and production speed, allowing for a groundbreaking reduction in the timeline of defense space projects that typically take several years.

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