.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
Article content
Following a record-shattering responsive launch, Rocket Lab completes complex on-orbit rendezvous and proximity operations, proving the Company’s ability to track and inspect target satellites on short notice, delivering success for the U.S. Space Force’s VICTUS HAZE mission.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
LONG BEACH, Calif., July 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced mission success for its role in the U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) VICTUS HAZE mission.
Article content
Article content
Article content
This historic mission required Rocket Lab to design, build, and test a Pioneer spacecraft for the USSF, launch it on Electron within 24 hours’ notice, commission the spacecraft within 72 hours, and then conduct complex rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) on orbit within 84 hours to pursue, monitor, approach, and photograph another target satellite in a demonstration of a rapid threat-response scenario.
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
Rocket Lab successfully completed all mission phases faster than the deadlines set by the Space Force, setting records and delivering new standards in responsive space.
Article content
- Responsive Launch: On June 19th, Rocket Lab launched the VICTUS HAZE mission just 16 hours and 42 minutes after receiving the Notice To Launch from the Space Force – the fastest response time ever for a Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) mission.
- Spacecraft Commissioning: Completed within 38 hours – more than 30 hours ahead of the Space Force’s 72-hour deadline – Rocket Lab’s spacecraft operation team methodically activated and verified all of Pioneer’s systems including power, communications, and attitude control, ensuring the satellite was fully operational and ready to begin its tactical space domain awareness mission.
- RPO Operations: Completed in less than 59 hours – 25 hours ahead of the Space Force’s 84-hour deadline. Rocket Lab’s Pioneer spacecraft performed a series of complex orbital maneuvers to pursue, monitor, approach, and photograph a target satellite on orbit. Throughout operations, Rocket Lab maintained continuous tracking of the target spacecraft, demonstrating precision navigation and control capabilities essential for space domain awareness operations.
Article content
Article content
While traditional missions have relied on separate contractors for rockets, satellites, and operations in space, Rocket Lab is delivering all three for VICTUS HAZE – the first time a single prime contractor has provided an entire all-in-one mission for the TacRS program.
Article content
Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, says: “Rocket Lab has set the new standard in responsive space with VICTUS HAZE. Delivering a fully integrated and complete mission capability when the clock is ticking is a proud moment for the Rocket Lab team in a long history of delivering mission success for the United States and its allies. Now that the primary mission is complete, we look forward to continuing to push Pioneer on orbit under new and complex Space Force task orders to deliver new capabilities.”
Article content
Deployed by the USSF’s Space Systems Command (SSC), led by the Space Safari Program Office, in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), VICTUS HAZE is a Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) mission generating the vital data, technology, and real-world operational experience needed to make that rapid response a repeatable reality.
English (US)