California-based space company Rocket Lab will launch more hypersonic test vehicles for the US military, as the Department of Defense (DOD) continues to invest in hypersonic technology.
Rocket Lab announced on January 7 that it would be part of a team led by defense contractor Kratos for the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) 2.0, which is tasked with increasing the capability. Hypersonic test flights.
Rocket Lab’s HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) is a variant of the company’s workhorse Electron launcher designed to launch hypersonic test vehicles on suborbital flights. On November 24 last year, Rocket Lab used HASTE to complete a suborbital mission From the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) on Wallops Island, Virginia, which tested hypersonic technology for the DoD. With this new agreement, it looks like the New Zealand-based company will be launched more.
“We are thrilled to be part of the Kratos-led team for the next iteration of the MACH-TB program and look forward to serving the U.S. Department of Defense with even more high-cadence hypersonic technology with our HASTE launch vehicle,” Brian Rogers, Rocket Lab Vice President of Global Launch Services, said in a statement,
After 25 test flights under the previous program, the new MACH-TB 2.0 program aims to enhance the Pentagon’s capabilities to launch and test hypersonic vehicles. According to Defense ScoopThe $1.45 billion, 5-year contract for MACH-TB 2.0 was established by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) for the Test Resource Management Center (TRMC), an office that oversees the U.S. Army. Provides advice and leadership on research and engineering, particularly on emerging technologies, according to DoD. statementTRMC ensures that all the necessary infrastructure is in place for testing new hardware.
Rocket Lab leadership pointed to the company’s track record with these types of test launches. Rogers added, “Our demonstrated ability to conduct successful HASTE launches to date that test these new technologies is a testament to our dedication in working with our government and industry partners to advance hypersonic innovation for the nation.”
Now, with MACH-TB 2.0, Rocket Lab will continue its work on hypersonic technology by supporting launches this year.
“MACH-TB is an essential tool in accelerating the next generation of science and technology experiments, advancing hypersonic capabilities for our nation,” said George Rumford, director of the Test Resource Management Center. said in a statement“We are excited to continue the success of the MACH-TB program with this award.”
