Rocket Lab successfully conducted the first suborbital launch of the HASTE hypersonic rocket

Rocket Lab recently announced the creation of a rocket called the Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron (HASTE). She

designed for suborbital hypersonic flights and has already successfully completed the first one.

What is known

June 18 at 04:00On 24 (EET), a HASTE rocket was launched from the Complex 2 launch pad in Virginia. Rocket Lab said the successful suborbital launch ushered in a new era of hypersonic testing capabilities.

HASTE is not a completely new development, butmodification of the commercial rocket Electron. According to the aerospace company, the low cost of launches is one of the key advantages over analogues.

The design of the rocket uses carboncomposite, and the Rutherford motors are 3D printed, just like Electron. At the same time, HASTE has a modified third stage, which allows suborbital cargo transportation at hypersonic speed.

As part of the first test, HASTE was able to makea maneuver to change the flight path before deploying the payload. Rocket Lab says the rocket can carry up to 700kg, but the company plans to increase the payload capacity.

Formally, Rocket Lab National is responsible for the project.Security (RLNS). The subsidiary was specifically created to fulfill the tasks of the US Department of Defense, US intelligence and other federal agencies. The first test was commissioned by a "confidential client".

It is worth noting that Dynetics attracted Rocket Labto a test hypersonic launch under a contract with the Pentagon. In addition, the company has signed an agreement with the US Missile Defense Agency to test payloads. The Defense Innovation Division is also interested in HASTE's capabilities.