VICTUS HAZE is a rapid launch mission program initiated by the U.S. Space Force to demonstrate and enhance their capabilities for quickly deploying satellites in response to potential threats in space. This program is the second iteration of the Space Force’s Tactically Responsive Space-3 (TacRS-3) mission, following the successful Victus Nox demonstration in September.
Key Details
Contracts Awarded: The Space Force’s Space Systems Command has awarded two contracts for the VICTUS HAZE program:
- Rocket Lab National Security: $32 million contract
- True Anomaly: $30 million contract
Mission Objectives:
- Launch a prototype satellite within 24 hours of a “go” order
- Perform a rapid on-orbit inspection of a simulated threatening spacecraft
- Demonstrate the ability to build rendezvous and proximity operation (RPO) capable space vehicles and command and control centers
Timeline: The delivery target for the mission is set for fall 2025.
Launch Details
- Will launch using their Electron launch vehicle
- Potential launch sites: Mahia, New Zealand or Wallops Island, Virginia
True Anomaly:
- Will launch from either Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida or Vandenberg Space Force Base in California
- Will use their Jackal autonomous spacecraft for the mission
Strategic Importance
The VICTUS HAZE program is part of the Space Force’s broader initiative to develop more agile space systems that can be rapidly deployed and operationalized. This capability is seen as crucial for countering potential threats, particularly in the context of great power competition with China.
Col. Bryon McClain, SSC’s program executive officer for Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power, emphasized the importance of leveraging commercial space industry innovations to address these challenges.
Previous Mission: Victus Nox
The successful Victus Nox demonstration in September 2023, which involved Firefly Aerospace‘s launcher and a space vehicle developed by Boeing‘s Millennium Space Systems, has been praised by senior Space Force officials as a game-changer for the service in future great power competition.
VICTUS HAZE builds upon this success, aiming to further refine and demonstrate the Space Force’s rapidly responsive space capabilities.
