Rocket Lab, a New Zealand-founded aerospace company, has achieved another milestone by successfully launching its HASTE rocket named 'That's Not A Knife' for the US Department of War. The launch occurred from Wallops Island, Virginia, at 1pm NZ time, marking Rocket Lab's second successful mission in its hypersonic test program, which is conducted through the Defense Innovation Unit. With all previous HASTE missions having a perfect success record, this mission represents a significant advancement in the company's development of hypersonic technology.

The HASTE rocket is a suborbital test vehicle designed to reach high altitudes but not achieve full orbit, enabling crucial testing of technologies like the DART AE, a scramjet-powered aircraft built by the Australian firm Hypersonix. The deployment of DART AE into a hypersonic flight environment demonstrates the viability and potential applications of this innovative technology, which could play a pivotal role in the future of aerospace defense systems.

This launch is Rocket Lab's third for the year and marks its 82nd mission overall, underlining the company's growing expertise and expanding portfolio in the aerospace sector. The successful execution of hypersonic missions not only bolsters Rocket Lab's reputation within the defense industry but also strengthens its partnership with US defense agencies, highlighting the increasing reliance on private aerospace firms for advanced technological developments.