Rocket Lab’s latest HASTE mission lifted off from Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia at 8AM on Tuesday, November 18th. The mission, initially known only as “VAN”, was later announced as “Prometheus Run.”
What is HASTE?
Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron, or HASTE, is a modified Electron rocket capable of launching hypersonic payloads, primarily for missile defense testing. Rocket Lab states that a HASTE mission can support a payload of up to 700kg and different fairings are available depending on what the needs of the mission are. Rocket Lab promotes a 12 month turnaround time from the signing of the mission to launch.
“Prometheus Run”
The payload for the mission was developed for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). The John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory designed and manufactured the primary payload. Secondary payloads were also included in the mission, although those customers have not been made available to the public. No information about the payload was released.
Due to the secrecy of the mission, launch dates for HASTE missions are often not heavily advertised. Originally slated to be launched Monday, that attempt was scrubbed, most likely due to high winds around Wallops.
What is Next for Rocket Lab in Virginia?
Neutron, Rocket Lab’s medium-lift launch vehicle, is still under development, with an inaugural launch slipping into next year. Neutron will be partially reusable, and the first stage is planning to be recovered.
The next Electron launch is not announced yet.
