Rocket Lab has announced significant multibillion-dollar contracts with both the United States and the United Kingdom aimed at enhancing vital hypersonic capabilities. Recently, the US Air Force selected the company to join its $46-billion Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract. This initiative emphasizes the swift development of advanced technologies, particularly focusing on hypersonic weapons, which are critical for national defense.
In a parallel move, Rocket Lab has been chosen by the UK Ministry of Defence to play a contributory role in its $1.3-billion Hypersonic Technologies & Capability Development Framework. This framework is oriented toward speeding up the delivery of next-generation hypersonic solutions, reflecting the growing global focus on hypersonic technology.
As part of both contracts, Rocket Lab will supply its HASTE launch platform, a cutting-edge testing capability designed specifically for hypersonic systems. The HASTE platform positions the US and UK to have a flexible testing approach, enabling rapid advancements in hypersonic technology. In addition to the platform itself, Rocket Lab will provide essential engineering expertise, support for mission integration, and other specialized services to facilitate the speedy deployment of these advanced technologies.
Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, expressed pride in the company’s role, stating, “The ability to contribute toward the collective security of the United States and the United Kingdom across both of these important programs is a proud moment for the HASTE team.”
The HASTE, which stands for Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron, is a suborbital variant of Rocket Lab’s widely-used Electron rocket. It incorporates many of the same essential technologies as the Electron, such as carbon composite structures and advanced 3D-printed engines. However, HASTE introduces modifications that cater specifically to hypersonic tests, including an enhanced Kick Stage and an increased payload capacity that can handle up to 700 kilograms (approximately 1,543 pounds).
Capable of deploying technologies at speeds exceeding 7.5 kilometers (4.6 miles) per second, HASTE can propel payloads from space to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. The platform has already gained recognition, as in November 2023, the US Defense Innovation Unit selected it for a mission that involves launching a hypersonic scramjet drone.
Beck emphasized the competitive edge that HASTE provides, saying, “Keeping pace with global developments means more affordable tests at a higher rate that expand the boundaries of hypersonic technology — and that’s a capability we’re already providing all in one platform with HASTE.” This advancement marks a significant milestone in the international race to develop hypersonic technologies, which are seen as crucial for enhancing national defense and technological supremacy.
