- Rocket Lab launched a satellite for the U.S. Space Force's Victus Haze responsive space exercise on June 19, 2026, at 3:19 a.m. Pacific from its Launch Complex-1 in Mahia, New Zealand.
- The launched spacecraft, known as Victus Haze Puma, was developed under a $32 million contract awarded by the Space Force in 2024.
- Victus Haze is the fourth demonstration under the Space Force’s Tactically Responsive Space program, aimed at proving rapid military launch capabilities.
- Following the launch, the team will conduct on-orbit checkout and vehicle commissioning before starting RPO operations.
Rocket Lab launched the Victus Haze satellite for the U.S. Space Force on June 19, 2026, from its launch site in Mahia, New Zealand. This mission, part of the Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) program, aims to demonstrate rapid military launch capabilities and operational readiness.14
The Victus Haze Puma spacecraft was developed under a $32 million contract awarded by the Space Force in 2024 and is one of two satellites involved in the mission. The launch showcased the ability to deploy spacecraft on military timelines, responding to potential threats in orbit.23
Prior to the launch, the Space Force's Space Safari program directed Rocket Lab to an “elevated readiness posture”, activating the team into alert status in less than 48 hours, according to the Space Systems Command. Col. Bryon McClain, acting Space Force portfolio acquisition executive for Space Combat Power, emphasized the mission's goal: “Victus Haze set out to demonstrate our ability to respond to irresponsible behavior on orbit under operationally realistic conditions.” This mission highlights the importance of leveraging commercial partnerships to enhance flexibility and reduce costs in military operations.
The Victus Haze mission is the fourth demonstration under the TacRS program, which aims to prove that commercial providers can meet military launch needs while executing complex missions once in orbit.
“Rocket Lab successfully launched the Victus Haze satellite for the U.S. Space Force, part of a responsive space exercise. This mission aims to showcase the ability to rapidly deploy spacecraft under military timelines.”
SpaceNews