Space Force awards contracts for Victus Haze rapid launch mission

Space Force awards contracts for Victus Haze rapid launch mission
Space Force awards contracts for Victus Haze rapid launch mission

Victus Haze is the second iteration of the Space Force’s Tactically Responsive Space-3 (TacRS-3) mission to launch a prototype satellite within 24 hours of a “go” order, but also is designed to quickly perform an up-close on-orbit inspection of a (simulated) threatening spacecraft.

Space Force sticks to plan for 3 high-value launch providers through 2028

Space Force sticks to plan for 3 high-value launch providers through 2028
Space Force sticks to plan for 3 high-value launch providers through 2028

Interested companies have until Dec. 15 to respond to the service’s dual requests for proposals: one for the critical, high-dollar NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 launches; and the other for Lane 1 small launches.

Rocket Lab unveils new HASTE suborbital hypersonic testbed

Rocket Lab unveils new HASTE suborbital hypersonic testbed
Rocket Lab unveils new HASTE suborbital hypersonic testbed

The company says its new rocket will be ready to launch in the first half of 2023 for a “confidential customer.”

Space Force plans to open access for small providers to multibillion launch contracts

Space Force plans to open access for small providers to multibillion launch contracts
Space Force plans to open access for small providers to multibillion launch contracts

“We developed an acquisition strategy consisting of a dual-lane approach that provides access to diverse commercially available systems,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, Space Force’s acquisition lead for space launch.

Rocket Lab’s Electron lifts off at last from US soil

Rocket Lab’s Electron lifts off at last from US soil
Rocket Lab’s Electron lifts off at last from US soil

“Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 is designed to serve the responsive space needs of commercial, civil, defense, and national security customers, supporting up to 12 missions per year,” the company said.

Rocket Lab aims for rapid launch capability at new Virginia complex, with a Friday first

Rocket Lab aims for rapid launch capability at new Virginia complex, with a Friday first
Rocket Lab aims for rapid launch capability at new Virginia complex, with a Friday first

“Those of us who follow the space industry closely understand the autonomous flight termination is a key component of the range of the future. In fact, for DoD missions, autonomous flight termination is a mandate by 2025,” said NASA’s David Pierce.

Rocket Lab prepares for first launch from US, as it eyes national security growth

Rocket Lab prepares for first launch from US, as it eyes national security growth
Rocket Lab prepares for first launch from US, as it eyes national security growth

Peter Beck, the firm’s CEO, has big plans to follow the first launch from his new US facility.

HawkEye 360’s next 3 satellites to fly on Rocket Lab’s inaugural Virginia launch

HawkEye 360’s next 3 satellites to fly on Rocket Lab’s inaugural Virginia launch
HawkEye 360’s next 3 satellites to fly on Rocket Lab’s inaugural Virginia launch

Rather than going into a polar orbit, the Cluster 6 birds will be stationed in an inclined orbit over the middle of the globe, explained HawkEye 360’s Chief Operating Office Rob Rainhart in an interview with Breaking Defense.

With latest Rocket Lab launch, NRO and Australia strengthen allied cooperation

With latest Rocket Lab launch, NRO and Australia strengthen allied cooperation
With latest Rocket Lab launch, NRO and Australia strengthen allied cooperation

NROL 162, nicknamed by Rocket Lab “Wise One Looks Ahead” is scheduled to launch as early as 1:00 am EDT on June 13 from New Zealand, according to a company press release. NROL-199, “Antipodean Adventure” is scheduled to launched on July 22. 

NRO plans 7 spy satellite launches in 2022; one from mystery foreign spaceport

NRO plans 7 spy satellite launches in 2022; one from mystery foreign spaceport
NRO plans 7 spy satellite launches in 2022; one from mystery foreign spaceport

Ahead of the Wednesday launch, mystery surrounds what the mission of NROL-87 is. NRO never talks about the purpose of specific satellites, period, but the payload will be launched to an orbit consistent with that of an imaging satellite.

Firefly Aerospace Set For First Launch Next Thursday; Static Test Passed

Firefly Aerospace Set For First Launch Next Thursday; Static Test Passed
Firefly Aerospace Set For First Launch Next Thursday; Static Test Passed

“Firefly Alpha will provide a unique capability to the US Government that is not currently available: a 1,000 kg to orbit, commercial, domestic, launch vehicle that can be used for a wide variety of missions,” says Firefly spokesperson Kim Jennett.

SMC’s Space Safari Office To Focus On ‘Urgent’ Launch Needs

SMC’s Space Safari Office To Focus On ‘Urgent’ Launch Needs
SMC’s Space Safari Office To Focus On ‘Urgent’ Launch Needs

So-called ‘responsive launch,’ the ability to launch practically on demand, has been a Holy Grail for the Pentagon for more than a decade with arguably not much real-world progress.

US ‘Will Fail’ If Space Acquisition Doesn’t Reform: CSPC

US ‘Will Fail’ If Space Acquisition Doesn’t Reform: CSPC
US ‘Will Fail’ If Space Acquisition Doesn’t Reform: CSPC

Space acquisition reform so far has been focused on “small dollar” activities, with most big-ticket programs such as NSSL stuck in the bad old ways, says a new report by Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress.

Lots of DoD Small Launchers, But What Will They Launch?

Lots of DoD Small Launchers, But What Will They Launch?
Lots of DoD Small Launchers, But What Will They Launch?

“The external and internal communication regarding [DoD] smallsat strategy is not consistent and not clear,” Carissa Christensen, CEO of Bryce Space and Technologies, said wryly.