Rocket Lab’s Fourth Hypersonic Cassowary Vex Mission on HASTE Rocket Reaches Mach 20
Rocket Lab launched its fourth hypersonic test mission, Cassowary Vex, on its HASTE rocket for the U.S. Department of War’s Defense Innovation Unit, scheduled for late February from Wallops Island. The mission, featuring a Hypersonix scramjet capable of Mach 20 flight profiles, underscores Rocket Lab’s high-tempo, cost-effective testing credentials.
1. Mission Overview
On February 12, 2026, Rocket Lab announced the Cassowary Vex mission aboard its HASTE rocket for the U.S. Department of War’s Defense Innovation Unit. The launch is set for late February from Wallops Island and aims to provide rapid, repeatable hypersonic testing capabilities.
2. Hypersonic Capabilities
Cassowary Vex integrates a Hypersonix scramjet to achieve flight profiles up to Mach 20, enabling high-speed data collection and performance validation. This capability supports cost-effective, high-tempo testing required for defense and space superiority missions.
3. Recent Launch Track Record
This marks Rocket Lab’s fourth hypersonic mission in six months, following the successful 81st Electron launch on January 30 that deployed South Korea’s NEONSAT-1A satellite. The frequency of missions highlights Rocket Lab’s leadership in reliable, responsive launch services and bolsters its defense portfolio.