Rocket Lab awarded SSC contract to develop spacecraft for TacRS mission

Rocket Lab awarded SSC contract to develop spacecraft for TacRS mission
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 12, 2024

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has reported its selection for a $32M contract from the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) to execute the VICTUS HAZE Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) mission. The company will handle all phases including design, construction, launch, and operations of a rendezvous proximity operation (RPO) capable spacecraft under its Rocket Lab National Security subsidiary, aimed at supporting the U.S. and allied national security efforts.

The VICTUS HAZE mission, part of SSC's Space Safari program, will simulate a realistic threat-response scenario alongside space domain awareness (SDA) exercises. Both Rocket Lab and another contractor, True Anomaly, will showcase their capabilities to construct RPO-ready space vehicles and manage command centers. The launch is planned for 2025.

Rocket Lab will begin the mission with a Hot Standby Phase, progressing to a prompt launch into the designated orbit upon commencement of the operations. The Pioneer class spacecraft, launching from either Mahia, NZ or Wallops, VA, will demonstrate diverse SDA tactics using dynamic space operations together with True Anomaly's Jackal autonomous orbital vehicle.

This initiative is set to enhance TacRS processes, proving rapid response capabilities to threats in orbit and advancing SDA techniques. Rocket Lab's expertise in in-space propulsion, precision attitude control, low latency communications, and autonomous operations will be crucial for the mission.

Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, expressed pride in supporting the SSC and the VICTUS HAZE mission, highlighting the company's comprehensive capabilities from design through operations as vital for national security advancements. "The ability to design, build, launch and operate a spacecraft within one streamlined team is rare and will deliver unparalleled speed and value to the nation. We're excited to take TacRS to the next level," said Beck.

The VICTUS HAZE mission extends Rocket Lab's involvement with U.S. Space Force projects, following their prior successes with the Monolith satellite and contracts for the STP-30 mission, Neutron vehicle's upper stage development, and a major contract to build data transport satellites for the Space Development Agency.