The Space Force selected True Anomaly and Rocket Lab to develop spacecraft for its next Tactically Responsive Space mission, dubbed Victus Haze. True Anomaly, a spacecraft and software company based in Colorado, received $30 million for its Jackal space vehicle. Rocket Lab’s contract, worth $32 million, came through the Defense Innovation Unit.
Victus Haze is the service’s third responsive space mission, with the latest demonstration showing rapid response capabilities. The mission aims to push the Space Force to operational responsive space capability by 2026. True Anomaly aims to deliver its spacecraft in fall 2025, with launches planned from Cape Canaveral Space Force Base or Vandenberg Space Force Base. Rocket Lab’s launch will occur in Mahia, New Zealand, or Wallops Island in Virginia.
True Anomaly CEO Even Rogers highlighted its agreement with the Space Force, which funds risk-reduction activities. The company’s Jackal spacecraft, designed for dynamic maneuvers, is undergoing improvements after a mission issue in early March. These improvements will help reduce risks for the Victus Haze mission, featuring a new propulsion system for enhanced performance.
