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Space

Rocket Lab’s Spacecraft Design For VICTUS HAZE Passes Key Hurdle Ahead Of Launch This Year

By Cal Biesecker

Monday, February 24th, 2025

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Rocket Lab’s Spacecraft Design For VICTUS HAZE Passes Key Hurdle Ahead Of Launch This Year

Artist’s illustration of Rocket Lab’s spacecraft for the U.S. Space Force’s Tactically Responsive Space mission, VICTUS HAZE. Credit: Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab USA [RKLB], one of two company’s building spacecraft for a U.S. Space Force demonstration of a rapid response to aggressive behavior by an adversary in space, on Monday said its effort successfully passed the critical design review (CDR). Clearing the CDR means California-based Rocket Lab’s Pioneer spacecraft for the VICTUS HAZE mission is ready for the production phase of the program, which will include integration of the satellite into company’s Electron launch vehicle and the start of ground…

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