Rocket Lab's HASTE Program Supports Pentagon Hypersonic Testing
Rocket Lab has developed the HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) program to support hypersonic and suborbital testing for the U.S. Department of Defense. Unlike its standard orbital rockets, HASTE is designed to accelerate payloads to high speeds in a suborbital environment, offering more frequent and cost-effective tests than traditional methods like repurposed missiles or wind tunnels. The DoD uses these flights to test scramjets, thermal protection systems, sensors, guidance mechanisms, and missile defense technologies. Rocket Lab has secured over $500 million in HASTE-related contracts from the Pentagon's Space Force, Navy, Anduril Industries, Leidos, and other defense agencies. These contracts represent a significant portion of its projected 2026 revenue and provide a competitive edge against larger rivals like SpaceX. HASTE flights generate higher revenues per launch than Rocket Lab’s standard Electron missions due to their complexity and customization requirements. The company leverages existing infrastructure from the Electron program, improving efficiency and gross margins.
