VICTUS HAZE Puma

Name: VICTUS HAZE Puma
Start: 2026-06-19T10:19:00.000Z
End: 2026-06-19T10:19:00.000Z
Location: Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1A

Electron, Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1A, Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand

Launch time

T-0

Fri 19 Jun, 12:19 CEST

10:19 UTC

Minute precision Launch successful

The rocket put its payload into the planned orbit.

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How sure is this date?

The source gives minute precision. Launch plans can change.

Source updated Thu 25 Jun, 13:49 CEST

Updated 11 Oct, 00:22 CEST

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Slip history

No changes since we started tracking on Sat 10 Oct 2026, 10:32 UTC.

Mon 22 Jun 2026, 20:47 UTCLL2 update
Updated exact launch time.
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Sat 20 Jun 2026, 20:03 UTCLL2 update
Unannounced successful launch into orbit.
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Wed 28 Jan 2026, 18:55 UTCLL2 update
Updated name for the spacecraft.
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Tue 16 Dec 2025, 06:42 UTCLL2 update
NET H1 2026.
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Mon 15 Sept 2025, 11:29 UTCLL2 update
NET early 2026.
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Tue 11 Feb 2025, 02:28 UTCLL2 update
NET October.
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Fri 18 Oct 2024, 00:56 UTCLL2 update
Added launch.
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Mission

VICTUS HAZE Puma on Electron from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1A. Launch time, status and recorded date changes from Launch Library 2.

VICTUS HAZE will see Rocket Lab design, build, launch, and operate a rendezvous proximity operation (RPO) capable spacecraft. U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC)’s Space Safari’s VICTUS HAZE mission will be an exercise of a realistic threat-response scenario and on-orbit space domain awareness (SDA) demonstration. Once the spacecraft build is complete, Rocket Lab will be entered into a Hot Standby Phase awaiting further direction. Once the exercise begins, Rocket Lab will be given notice to launch the spacecraft into a target orbit. After reaching orbit, the spacecraft will be rapidly commissioned and readied for operations. Rocket Lab will configure a Pioneer class spacecraft bus to meet the unique requirements of the VICTUS HAZE mission. The mission will improve Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) processes and timelines, demonstrating the ability to respond to on-orbit threats on very short timelines and validating techniques for space domain awareness (SDA) and on-orbit characterization. Rocket Lab’s constellation-class production capability and discriminating technical capabilities in the areas of in-space propulsion, precision attitude control, low latency communications, and autonomous operations are key enablers for this mission.

Mission type: Government/Top Secret
Orbit: Low Earth Orbit

Rocket file imagery

The light of an Electron launch rises above a water tower and an illuminated exhaust cloud at night. — File imagery: Virginia is for Launch Lovers, 24 January 2023. Electron lifting off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 at Wallops.
Credit: NASA/Danielle Johnson · Public domain (NASA) · Source

Mission patches

VICTUS HAZE Mission Patch

Patch artwork is not shown because its image licence is unconfirmed.

Launch timeline

No timeline has been provided by the source.

Launch pad

Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1A

Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand (NZ)

Coordinates: -39.262833, 177.864469

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