Boeing Starliner 1st astronaut flight: US Space Force picks Rocket Lab for 2025

Boeing Starliner astronaut flight update.

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command recently announced the selection of Rocket Lab National Security and True Anomaly for contracts under the Victus Haze program, aimed at advancing the nation’s space capabilities for national security purposes. This blog post explores the details of this significant development and its implications for the future of space operations.

Overview of Victus Haze Program

The Victus Haze program, an iteration of the Space Force’s Tactically Responsive Space-3 (TacRS-3) mission, focuses on launching prototype satellites within 24 hours of a “go” order and conducting rapid on-orbit inspections of potentially threatening spacecraft. The program aims to enhance the nation’s space domain awareness and responsiveness to evolving security challenges in space.

Contract Awards

Rocket Lab National Security secured a $32 million contract through the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit, while True Anomaly received a $30 million contract through the SpaceWERX office. Notably, True Anomaly plans to leverage $30 million of internal private capital for the project, highlighting the collaboration between government and private industry in advancing space capabilities.

Boeing Starliner Mission Objectives

As part of the Victus Haze program, Rocket Lab and True Anomaly will demonstrate their ability to build rendezvous and proximity operation (RPO) capable spacecraft and command and control centers by fall 2025. Each vendor will undertake unique launch and mission profiles, showcasing their respective capabilities in space operations.

Collaboration for National Security

The selection of Rocket Lab and True Anomaly underscores the Space Force’s commitment to leveraging commercial space industry innovations to enhance national security. By partnering with leading space services companies, the Space Force aims to demonstrate its ability to respond effectively to irresponsible behavior in orbit and safeguard U.S. interests in space.

Rocket Lab’s Role

Rocket Lab’s $32 million contract with the Space Systems Command involves the development of a spacecraft and command and control center for the Victus Haze mission. The company will design and build an advanced RPO-capable spacecraft slated for launch in 2025, showcasing its expertise in delivering innovative space solutions on accelerated timelines.

The selection of Rocket Lab and True Anomaly for the Victus Haze program represents a significant milestone in the evolution of U.S. space capabilities for national security purposes. By investing in advanced space technologies and fostering collaboration with industry partners, the Space Force is positioning itself to effectively address emerging threats and maintain space superiority. The success of the Victus Haze mission will demonstrate the nation’s readiness to adapt to evolving security challenges in the space domain.

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