VICTUS HAZE will see Rocket Lab design, build, launch, and operate a rendezvous proximity operation (RPO) capable spacecraft. U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC)’s Space Safari’s VICTUS HAZE mission will be an exercise of a realistic threat-response scenario and on-orbit space domain awareness (SDA) demonstration. Once the spacecraft build is complete, Rocket Lab will be entered into a Hot Standby Phase awaiting further direction. Once the exercise begins, Rocket Lab will be given notice to launch the spacecraft into a target orbit. After reaching orbit, the spacecraft will be rapidly commissioned and readied for operations. Rocket Lab will configure a Pioneer class spacecraft bus to meet the unique requirements of the VICTUS HAZE mission. The mission will improve Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) processes and timelines, demonstrating the ability to respond to on-orbit threats on very short timelines and validating techniques for space domain awareness (SDA) and on-orbit characterization. Rocket Lab’s constellation-class production capability and discriminating technical capabilities in the areas of in-space propulsion, precision attitude control, low latency communications, and autonomous operations are key enablers for this mission.
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Rocket Lab
Electron
VICTUS HAZE Puma
Live tracking
T-0 (UTC)10:19 UTC
VehicleElectron
StatusSuccess
T-0 (UTC)19 June 2026 at 10:19 UTC
VehicleElectron
Launch padUnknown Pad
CountryNZL
TypeGovernment/Top Secret
Coverage
Around this mission
Rocket Lab launches satellite for U.S. Space Force Victus Haze responsive space exercise
The mission pairs Rocket Lab spacecraft with a True Anomaly vehicle in orbit to demonstrate rapid threat characterization and rendezvous operations The post Rocket Lab launches satellite for U.S. Space Force Victus Haze responsive space exercise appeared first on SpaceNews.