Rocket Lab Successfully Launches HASTE Mission for Defense Innovation Unit, Missile Defense Agency

Core Insights - Rocket Lab Corporation successfully launched a suborbital mission using its HASTE launch vehicle for the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and Missile Defense Agency (MDA), enhancing national security through advanced missile defense technology testing [1][2][3] Launch Details - The HASTE launch occurred on November 18, 2025, from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 in Virginia at 13:00 UTC, deploying a primary payload from Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and multiple secondary payloads [2][3] - This mission was part of the DIU's Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testing Capabilities (HyCAT) program, showcasing Rocket Lab's ability to deliver missions within 14 months of contract signing, highlighting operational efficiency for government clients [3] Technology and Capabilities - HASTE is a suborbital variant of the Electron rocket, designed for hypersonic technology tests, capable of deploying payloads at speeds exceeding 7.5 km/s [4] - The HASTE and Electron vehicles have collectively deployed over 200 payloads for both government and commercial customers, demonstrating their reliability and versatility in various missions [4] Strategic Importance - The mission underscores the importance of commercial partnerships in accelerating hypersonic technology development, with DIU emphasizing the need for access to commercial ecosystems to enhance mission timelines and affordability [4]