Post by Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)

Space is a congested and contested operational environment, and the DoW is preparing to respond swiftly and dynamically to threats and other force protection needs on orbit.   Last week, Rocket Lab, DIU, and our partners at USSF Space Systems Command's Space Safari Program Office successfully launched the VICTUS HAZE mission. A specially modified Rocket Lab spacecraft launched on their own Electron rocket into previously unknown orbit only 16 hours and 42 minutes after receiving the launch order. This timeline smashed our 24-hour target by 30% and set a new record in Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) launch by 10 hours.   (Photos courtesy of Rocket Lab)