The contract supports the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) 2.0 initiative, managed by the Test Resource Management Center in partnership with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division. The programme is designed to accelerate hypersonic testing and the development of advanced aerospace technologies.
Under Task Area 1 of MACH-TB 2.0, led by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Rocket Lab will conduct 20 HASTE launches over four years. The first mission is expected to take place within months of the contract signing.
Rocket Lab said the agreement builds on its prior work supporting hypersonic testing since 2023. The company has already completed multiple HASTE missions at speeds exceeding Mach 5 for the programme.
Officials said the expanded partnership reflects increasing demand for hypersonic capabilities. Rocket Lab noted that it has achieved a 100% mission success rate across all HASTE launches to date.
“Our expanded partnership with MACH-TB and the Department of War strengthens America’s national security and delivers reliable, modern hypersonic capabilities with speed and affordability,” said Peter Beck, founder and chief executive of Rocket Lab. “Our advanced technology, responsive launch schedules, and mass production of our HASTE hypersonic rockets are enabling faster progress across a range of hypersonic experiments by our government and industry partners, and this latest contract is another proud moment for the team that builds the strength and resiliency of the United States’ aerospace efforts.”
The company said the contract highlights its role in providing high-cadence launch services for national security missions. It added that hypersonic technologies are a priority area for U.S. defense efforts.
Rocket Lab’s launch backlog now exceeds 70 missions following the agreement. The company has also reported strong demand in early 2026, with 28 launches sold in the first quarter alone.
The firm said its Electron rocket continues to serve commercial, civil and defense customers. It added that growth in dedicated launch services reflects increasing demand for responsive and scalable space capabilities.
