Aerospace Group:

Advanced / Transformational Technology

Rocket Lab Lifts Scramjet-Powered Air Vehicle For DIU Hypersonic Test

By Cal Biesecker

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026

SHARE:

Rocket Lab Lifts Scramjet-Powered Air Vehicle For DIU Hypersonic Test

The 3.5 meter-long DART AE hypersonic flight vehicle built by Hypersonix. Photo: Hypersonix

Rocket Lab [RKLB] last week launched a modified version of its suborbital launch vehicle to release a scramjet-powered 3D-printed air vehicle in support of a hypersonic test program managed by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). The Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron (HASTE) rocket launched on Feb. 27 from Wallops Island, Va., by Rocket Lab and successfully delivered the Hypersonix-built DART AE demonstrator, validating the structural components of the additively manufactured flight vehicle, the manufacturing processes and supporting supply chain, DIU…

Congress

Trump Wants Second Reconciliation Bill On His Desk By June 1

President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on Congress to pass and send a second reconciliation bill to his desk by June 1. The deadline follows congressional Republicans’ backing a pursuit […]

Space

Upgrading Current GPS Ground System “Now a Viable Option,” As GPS OCX Problems Continue, Space Official Says

Upgrades to the GPS ground system–the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP)–is an option under consideration by the Defense Department’s space acquisition chief, as problems continue in fielding the GPS Next Generation […]

Congress

Graham Says GOP To Move Ahead On Second Reconciliation Bill, With Defense Funds As Priority

Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday, with the White House’s backing, his panel will move “expeditiously” on crafting a second reconciliation bill, citing priorities for defense and […]

Pentagon

Hegseth Acknowledges Potential $200 Billion Iran Supplemental Request, Final Figure ‘Could Move’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday acknowledged the Pentagon could potentially ask Congress for $200 billion in supplemental funding to support the ongoing operation against Iran and replenish munitions used […]