Rocket Lab Delivers Mission Success for Space Force: Completes Historic Launch and On-Orbit Satellite Tracking Mission in Record Time

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Following a record-shattering responsive launch, Rocket Lab completes complex on-orbit rendezvous and proximity operations, proving the Company’s ability to track and inspect target satellites on short notice, delivering success for the U.S. Space Force’s VICTUS HAZE mission.LONG BEACH, Calif., July 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced mission success for its role in the U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) VICTUS HAZE mission. This historic mission required Rocket Lab to design, build, and test a Pioneer spacecraft for the USSF, launch it on Electron within 24 hours’ notice, commission the spacecraft within 72 hours, and then conduct complex rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) on orbit within 84 hours to pursue, monitor, approach, and photograph another target satellite in a demonstration of a rapid threat-response scenario. Rocket Lab successfully completed all mission phases faster than the deadlines set by the Space Force, setting records and delivering new standards in responsive space.Responsive Launch: On June 19th, Rocket Lab launched the VICTUS HAZE mission just 16 hours and 42 minutes after receiving the Notice To Launch from the Space Force - the fastest response time ever for a Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) mission.Spacecraft Commissioning: Completed within 38 hours – more than 30 hours ahead of the Space Force’s 72-hour deadline – Rocket Lab’s spacecraft operation team methodically activated and verified all of Pioneer’s systems including power, communications, and attitude control, ensuring the satellite was fully operational and ready to begin its tactical space domain awareness mission. RPO Operations: Completed in less than 59 hours – 25 hours ahead of the Space Force’s 84-hour deadline. Rocket Lab’s Pioneer spacecraft performed a series of complex orbital maneuvers to pursue, monitor, approach, and photograph a target satellite on orbit. Throughout operations, Rocket Lab maintained continuous tracking of the target spacecraft, demonstrating precision navigation and control capabilities essential for space domain awareness operations. While traditional missions have relied on separate contractors for rockets, satellites, and operations in space, Rocket Lab is delivering all three for VICTUS HAZE – the first time a single prime contractor ...

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