19 June 2026 2018 Rocket Lab using the Electron rocket from the launch complex in Mahia (UTC) launched the Victus Haze spacecraft into sun-synchronous orbit (Puma). After commissioning is complete, the aircraft will begin approach and maneuver operations (RPO) with the True Anomaly Jackal spacecraft-004, which is in orbit with 3 May 2026 year.
For reference: Rocket Lab is a leading American private aerospace company, which specializes in launching small satellites, design of space vehicles and development of modern launch vehicles.
True Anomaly Jackal-004 is a modern autonomous space probe (space inspector), developed by American startup True Anomaly for surveillance, identification and tracking of objects in orbit .
According to the US Space Systems Command, orbital checks will be conducted after launch, after which the Rocket Lab and True Anomaly crews will perform a series of scenarios to demonstrate the capabilities of space situational awareness and object characterization
in dynamic conditions. Victus Haze is the fourth demonstration in the Tactically Responsive Space program. If the previous Victus Nox mission 2023 year focused on quick launch (27 hours after the order), then Victus Haze extends the task, testing the possibility of rapid deployment of maneuverable vehicles for the inspection and characterization of objects in orbit.
For reference: Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) is an initiative of the US Space Force, directed
for operational deployment and maneuvering of spacecraft in response to sudden threats or emergency situations. It allows the Pentagon to quickly launch specialized satellites into orbit using commercial rockets.
Rocket Lab performed the launch via 16 hours 42 minutes after receiving the order (exceeding the 24-hour standby requirement), and putting the device into operation took time 37 hours 36 minutes - for 34 hours ahead of schedule. The mission is aimed at confirming the ability of commercial companies to quickly respond to threats in space, providing prompt replacement of satellites, deploying sensors or investigating suspicious activity in a timely manner, which are measured in days.
Source: https://spacenews.com