Space Force to Conduct First-Ever Military Exercise in Orbit

Space⁤ Force‌ Partners with⁤ Rocket ‍Lab and True Anomaly for​ Groundbreaking On-Orbit Aggression Countermeasure Mission

Demonstrating Rapid ‌Response Capabilities

In an unprecedented⁢ move, the⁢ US Space⁣ Force has joined forces with ‍Rocket ⁣Lab and‌ True‍ Anomaly to showcase their ability to respond to ‍potential on-orbit aggression. The mission, dubbed Victus Haze, will feature a⁣ spacecraft built and launched by Rocket Lab pursuing another satellite manufactured by True‍ Anomaly, a startup based in Colorado. This demonstration aims to simulate a realistic threat response scenario in the space domain.

Assessing Unknown Assets in Space

General Michael Guetlein, the Space Force’s vice ⁣chief of space operations, emphasized the importance of being able to investigate unknown assets in space:

“When another ⁣nation puts​ an asset up into space and we don’t quite know what that⁣ asset is, we don’t know what its intent is, we don’t know what its⁢ capabilities are,⁢ we need the ability to go up there and figure out what this thing is.”

Victus Haze aims⁣ to demonstrate this capability by having True Anomaly’s spacecraft pose as ⁤a satellite from a ⁣potential ‌adversary, while Rocket ⁢Lab’s satellite will be on standby, ready to launch and inspect the unknown⁤ spacecraft ⁢upon the ‍Space Force’s‍ command.

Adapting to ⁤Adversary Maneuvers

The mission will⁤ also involve the two spacecraft switching ‍roles, with True Anomaly’s Jackal satellite actively maneuvering around Rocket Lab’s ‍satellite. This exercise will showcase the Space Force’s ability ‍to respond to adversary movements in space, whether​ it be through⁣ a show of force, space domain awareness, or understanding the characterization of the environment.

Tactically Responsive Space Capabilities

Victus Haze is part‌ of a series of military missions focused on validating Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) capabilities. These efforts aim to significantly reduce the time required to prepare⁤ and launch a satellite.⁢ The previous mission, Victus Nox, demonstrated the ability to build and test a satellite in less than a year and launch it within 27 hours of receiving launch orders from the Space Force.

Leveraging Commercial ⁢Space Innovations

The Space Force ⁣recognizes the importance of leveraging the innovations of the US commercial space industry to counter potential threats. Victus Haze is a‌ testament to ​the ⁣faith placed in the US industrial base, as it pushes⁤ the boundaries of technology and demonstrates rapid response‍ capabilities.

The mission, with a total cost of‍ approximately $92 million, is being overseen by Space Safari, a division of⁢ Space⁢ Systems Command. True Anomaly’s Jackal satellite will launch on a rapid rideshare mission, while Rocket Lab’s satellite will launch on ‌an Electron‌ rocket from‍ New Zealand or Virginia, precisely timed ⁣to rendezvous with⁤ True Anomaly’s spacecraft in orbit.

Changing the Culture of the Space Force

The biggest challenge in achieving rapid launch ‍capabilities lies ⁢in​ changing‍ the‍ culture of the Space Force‍ and its commercial partners. Regulatory approvals, safety paperwork, and⁤ airspace clearances need to be streamlined to enable faster response times. As General Guetlein stated, “Tactically responsive space is not about the hardware. ​It’s not about ‌the ‌satellite; it’s not about the sensor; it’s not about the​ rocket. It’s about the mindset. It’s about ⁣the culture.”

Victus⁢ Haze represents a significant step⁣ forward‌ in the ⁤Space Force’s ability to respond to potential on-orbit aggression and demonstrates the power of collaboration between the military and ​commercial space industry.