Rocket Lab prepares to launch latest hypersonic test mission for Defense Innovation Unit

Rocket Lab announced a HASTE rocket mission named Cassowary Vex for the Defense Innovation Unit, scheduled no earlier than late February from Launch Complex 2 at Wallops Island. The flight will carry Hypersonix's DART AE scramjet and is described by the company as its fourth hypersonic test mission in under six months.

Rocket Lab announced a dedicated HASTE rocket mission called Cassowary Vex, scheduled to launch no earlier than late February from Launch Complex 2 at Wallops Island, Virginia. The company said the mission will deploy DART AE, a scramjet-powered aircraft developed by Australian firm Hypersonix. Rocket Lab described this as its fourth hypersonic test mission in under six months and framed HASTE as a commercial hypersonic test capability. Mission details: - Mission name: Cassowary Vex. - Launch name: "That's Not A Knife." - Launch vehicle: Rocket Lab's HASTE rocket. - Payload: DART AE scramjet, developed by Hypersonix. - Launch window: no earlier than late February; site is Launch Complex 2 at Wallops Island, Virginia. - Company note: Rocket Lab said HASTE offers test flight profiles and environments up to Mach 20 and that the launch is the fourth hypersonic test mission in under six months. Summary: Rocket Lab presented the flight as part of its recent hypersonic test activity and as a dedicated mission for the Defense Innovation Unit and Hypersonix. The company said the launch window opens in late February and that the mission broadcast will be made available by the company.