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Rocket Lab is solidifying its position as a key player in the rapidly advancing field of hypersonic technology. The company has been selected by both the United States and United Kingdom militaries as a potential partner for their respective multibillion-dollar initiatives focused on developing hypersonic capabilities. This development positions Rocket Lab to bid on significant contracts, offering its HASTE suborbital rocket as a versatile and cost-effective hypersonic testbed.
Rocket Lab Poised to Support Hypersonic Programs for US and UK Militaries
The California-based aerospace firm is now eligible to compete for contracts under programs from both nations, leveraging its HASTE suborbital launch vehicle to provide essential testing services for hypersonic systems.
Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s role. “Contributing to the national security objectives of both the United States and the United Kingdom through these vital programs is a proud moment for the HASTE team,” he stated in a press release on Monday, April 14th, the date of the announcement. He further emphasized, “Rocket Lab is dedicated to pioneering innovative and unique solutions for hypersonic technology advancement.”
Beck also highlighted the advantages of HASTE, stating, “Adapting to evolving global landscapes demands more economical testing at an accelerated pace to push the boundaries of hypersonic technology. HASTE provides this comprehensive capability on a single platform, at a commercially viable price point and launch frequency that effectively serves the objectives of both countries.”
Strategic Programs Utilizing Rocket Lab’s Expertise
The U.S. initiative, known as the Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract, represents a substantial $46 billion investment by the Air Force. Meanwhile, the U.K. Ministry of Defence’s Hypersonic Technologies & Capability Development Framework has allocated a budget of £1 billion, equivalent to approximately $1.3 billion USD, according to Rocket Lab.
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HASTE: A Dedicated Hypersonic Test Platform
HASTE, an acronym for “Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron,” is engineered as a modified suborbital variant of Rocket Lab’s established Electron launch system. This design leverages the reliability and performance of the Electron platform for hypersonic testing applications.
To date, HASTE has been launched three times, each mission originating from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in Virginia. Future launches are planned, with some dedicated to evaluating additional technologies for the U.S. military, further solidifying Rocket Lab’s role in national security space operations.
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