Rocket Lab Launches 2nd Hypersonic Test Mission for Defense Innovation Unit

The successful launch is the second in three months, showcasing Rocket Lab's HASTE rocket as a premier commercial test platform for hypersonic systems.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Rocket Lab Corporation has successfully launched its latest hypersonic test mission on its HASTE rocket for the Department of War's Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). The mission, named "That's Not A Knife", deployed a scramjet-powered aircraft developed by Australian aerospace engineering firm Hypersonix into a suborbital hypersonic flight environment. This is the second successful launch of a hypersonic test mission for the DIU in three months and the 7th HASTE launch overall for Rocket Lab.

Why it matters

Rocket Lab's HASTE rocket has rapidly established itself as a premier commercial test platform for hypersonic systems, helping to accelerate hypersonic readiness for the United States and its allies. The regular and reliable HASTE launches are driving significant advancements in hypersonic innovation and technology readiness for the nation's defense priorities.

The details

The "That's Not A Knife" mission lifted off on February 27 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern (February 28, 00:00 UTC) from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 within the Virginia Spaceport Authority's Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island, Virginia. The mission deployed DART AE, a scramjet-powered aircraft developed by Australian aerospace engineering firm Hypersonix, into a suborbital hypersonic flight environment at several times the speed of sound.

  • The mission lifted off on February 27 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern (February 28, 00:00 UTC).
  • This was the second successful launch of a hypersonic test mission for the DIU in three months.

The players

Rocket Lab Corporation

A global leader in launch services and space systems that provides launch services, spacecraft, payloads and satellite components serving commercial, government, and national security markets.

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)

A unit within the Department of War that is focused on advancing hypersonic technology for the United States and its allies.

Hypersonix

An Australian aerospace engineering firm that developed the DART AE scramjet-powered aircraft deployed in the mission.

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What they’re saying

“This launch is another proud moment for the HASTE team and a great showcase of the important commercial platform it has become for the Department of War. Regular and reliable HASTE launches are helping to accelerate hypersonic readiness for the nation, and we take pride in providing the foundation to a new era of testing of this critical technology to protect the United States space security.”

— Brian Rogers, Vice President Global Launch Services, Rocket Lab (Rocket Lab)

“This mission is a major milestone for Hypersonix and our flight test program. Successfully flying DART AE in a real hypersonic environment validates years of disciplined engineering and preparation by our team. Launching aboard Rocket Lab's HASTE vehicle enabled us to execute the mission with speed and precision. This flight moves us from ground-based validation into true hypersonic operations and brings us closer to delivering reusable hypersonic capability that is operationally relevant for our partners and allies.”

— Matt Hill, CEO, Hypersonix (Rocket Lab)

What’s next

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