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U.S. Space Force Is Learning To Scramble Rocket Launches Like They're Fighter Jets
Jalopnik • • business
Key Points:
- Rocket Lab set a new record by launching an Electron rocket with a payload in just 16 hours and 42 minutes for the U.S. Space Force's TacRS program, beating the previous record by 10 hours.
- The rapid launch demonstrated the potential for military space operations to be conducted on extremely short notice, akin to scrambling fighter jets in the Air Force.
- The mission, named Victus Haze, involved deploying a maneuverable Pioneer spacecraft to perform rendezvous and proximity operations, simulating a response to a wayward or hostile satellite.
- The TacRS program aims to improve the U.S. Space Force's ability to quickly react to threats in space, particularly as adversaries like China develop anti-satellite weapons.
- Three additional TacRS missions are planned over the next year, involving launches by SpaceX Falcon 9 and Firefly Alpha rockets, potentially pushing rapid launch capabilities even further.
