Rocket Lab Prepares Fourth HASTE Hypersonic Mission to Test Mach 20 Scramjet
The Pentagon awarded $68 million across six vendors to accelerate next-generation hypersonic technologies, including Rocket Lab’s HASTE platform. Rocket Lab is preparing its fourth dedicated HASTE test mission, Cassowary Vex, to deploy a scramjet DART AE vehicle at Mach 20 from Wallops Island.
1. Pentagon Funding Overview
The Joint Hypersonics Transition Office awarded $68 million across six vendors to advance Mach 5+ technologies, selecting commercial aerospace firms including Rocket Lab for rapid development of hypersonic hardware.
2. Cassowary Vex Mission Details
Rocket Lab’s fourth dedicated HASTE mission, Cassowary Vex, is scheduled from Launch Complex 2 at Wallops Island and will deploy the scramjet-powered DART AE vehicle on trajectories reaching Mach 20.
3. HASTE Platform Positioning
The HASTE suborbital launch vehicle is positioned as a rapid, flexible alternative to traditional government test infrastructure, offering tailored flight profiles for defense and hypersonic testing needs.
4. Electron Launch Cadence Growth
Alongside HASTE expansion, Rocket Lab has completed over 80 Electron missions to date, demonstrating consistent launch cadence and bolstering service offerings for small payload deployment.