Rocket Lab Archives

A Rocket Lab Electron launch vehicle is readied for lift off from the company’s Launch Complex-1 (LC-1) in Mahia, New Zealand, as part of the U.S. Space Force Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) VICTUS HAZE mission, June 19, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Rocket Lab)

Space Force sets another record with rapid launch of Victus Haze mission

The Victus Haze launch shattered the Space Force's previous record of how quickly it could launch a satellite after giving orders.

4 days ago By Mikayla Easley

The Hypersonix DART AE vehicle aboard Rocket Lab’s HASTE launch vehicle at the Virginia Spaceport Authority’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island, Virginia. (Photo credit: Hypersonix)

DIU notches first launch of commercial hypersonic test platform

The Cassowary Vex mission marked the first deployment of a commercial-built hypersonic testbed developed under the Hypersonic High-Cadence Advanced Testing program.

Mar 3, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

Northrop Grumman’s TRKT3 will build on the Tracking Layer capabilities of Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 with targeted technology enhancements, expanded coverage and increased integration including precision fire-control sensing. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

SDA awards $3.5B across 4 contracts for next phase of missile tracking satellites

The Tranche 3 tracking layer will comprise 72 satellites to provide near-continuous global coverage, with half featuring payloads able to create fire-control data.

Dec 19, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

Rocket Lab, True Anomaly win contracts for US military’s Victus Haze project

The project is unfolding amid concerns about threats to U.S. satellites from adversaries’ counter-space weapons.

Apr 11, 2024 By Jon Harper

Rocket Lab to build 18 satellites for SDA’s global satcom constellation

The company received a $515 million prototype agreement to build and operate 18 Beta variant satellites for SDA’s Tranche 2 transport layer.

Jan 8, 2024 By Mikayla Easley