HASTE Mode: Rocket Lab’s Suborbital Rocket Joins US And UK Defence Missions

In a recent blog update, Rocket Lab announced its multi-billion-dollar government development programs, which will enforce the use of its HASTE launch vehicle for the US and the UK. These programs will provide the governments involved with hypersonic test launches from Rocket Lab, as well as other services.

Rocket Lab To Utilise Its HASTE Launch Vehicle In Its Multi-Billion Dollar Government Programs

Rocket Lab will now work with the governmental and military agencies of two countries for unique space programs. The governmental and military agencies in question are the United States Air Force and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (UK MOD).

The United States Air Force Rocket Lab will participate in the force’s Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract (EWAAC) program. This is a $46 billion indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract, and it aims to help develop the Air Force’s space capabilities.

Regarding the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence (UK MOD) contract, Rocket Lab is developing the force’s Hypersonic Technologies & Capability Development Framework (HTCDF). This $1.3 billion program aims to rapidly develop the advanced hypersonic capabilities of the United Kingdom.

For this program, Rocket Lab possess the ability to bid for the provision of services, technologies, and testing capabilities that support the UK’s development of sovereign hypersonic technology. This means that we might see the Rocket Lab Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron (HASTE) launch vehicle in action through the course of this program.

The firm points out that this launch vehicle will not only be used in its program with the UK Ministry of Defence but also the US Air Force. These programs won’t be the first time that Rocket Lab will be turning to using its HASTE launch vehicle for various space expeditions.

Rocket Lab Anticipates Using Its HASTE Launch Vehicle On Its New Governmental Programs

The Rocket Lab HASTE launch vehicle is a suborbital version of the Electron rocket that has been put to use for various space missions. Just like Electron, HASTE features carbon fibre composite structures and 3d-printed rocket engines but can lift a larger payload of 700kg.

Both the US Army and the UK Ministry of Defence will be able to benefit from this launch vehicle. Rocket Lab assures that HASTE can deploy technologies on various payloads to space at a speed of 7.5km per second.

Sir Peter Beck, CEO of Rocket Lab, says that these new projects with the US and UK “is a proud moment for the HASTE team and a demonstration of Rocket Lab’s commitment to lead from the front when it comes to innovative and unique solutions for hypersonic technology development.” He goes on to express confidence in the HASTE team’s ability to serve the needs of both nations that it’ll be working with on hypersonic technology development.