A New Zealand-founded company, Rocket Lab, successfully launched a mission for the US Department of War on Saturday, February 27, 2026.
Advancing Hypersonic Technology
The mission, dubbed ‘That’s Not A Knife,’ utilized the HASTE rocket and lifted off from Launch Complex 2 at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in Wallops Island, Virginia, at 1pm New Zealand time. This marks Rocket Lab’s second successful hypersonic test mission for the Department of War’s Defense Innovation Unit and the seventh HASTE launch overall.
HASTE, which stands for hypersonic accelerator suborbital test electron, is a suborbital testbed vehicle. Suborbital missions briefly enter space before returning to Earth. The launch deployed DART AE, a scramjet-powered aircraft developed by Australian aerospace engineering firm Hypersonix, into a hypersonic flight environment.
According to Rocket Lab, this work supports a critical national priority to advance hypersonic technology for the United States and its allies. Brian Rogers, Rocket Lab’s vice president of global launch services, stated that the launch demonstrates the company’s commercial platform for the Department of War.
Hypersonix chief executive Matt Hill noted that the successful flight of DART AE represents a significant milestone in their flight test program and brings them closer to delivering reusable hypersonic capability.
Looking Ahead
Rocket Lab’s HASTE program could continue to play a key role in testing hypersonic systems. Further launches are likely, potentially with different payloads and testing objectives. The Department of War may too increase its reliance on commercial launch providers like Rocket Lab for similar missions. It’s also possible that Hypersonix will continue to refine and test its DART AE aircraft, building towards a fully reusable hypersonic system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the HASTE rocket?
HASTE is a suborbital testbed launch vehicle designed to provide a platform for testing hypersonic systems.
What was deployed during the ‘That’s Not A Knife’ mission?
The mission deployed DART AE, a scramjet-powered aircraft developed by Hypersonix.
How many launches has Rocket Lab completed overall?
This launch was Rocket Lab’s 82nd overall.
As the United States and its allies prioritize advancements in hypersonic technology, what role do you see commercial space companies playing in national security initiatives?