A rocket launch at Wallops Island back in November helped Rocket Lab make history, as the company completed two missions from two launch pads in two hemispheres, within just 24 hours (Nov. 24-25). It is believed to be a world first. Rocket Lab publicized one of the launches, the successful deployment of five French satellites into a low Earth orbit from the company’s launch pad in New Zealand.
But the details of other launch, the one that blasted off from Wallops Island on Virginia’s Eastern Shore only hours early, was kept shrouded in secrecy—until now. Rocket Lab USA announced that the mission was for the Department of Defense (DOD), testing hypersonic technology.
The suborbital mission was part of the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonics Test Bed (MACH-TB) project, which aims to increase hypersonic flight testing for the United States. Rocket Lab has been testing hypersonic technology with vastly increased payloads.
“Hypersonic technology testing is a critical need for the nation and one that we’re proud to be serving with our test launches,” said Rocket Lab Vice President of Global Launch Services Brian Rogers.
According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the DOD is working to quickly develop hypersonic weapons. These weapons are capable of moving at least five times the speed of sound and travel on unpredictable flight paths that could give the military a tactical advantage. “DOD has begun multiple efforts to develop offensive hypersonic weapons that can be launched on the ground, in the air, and at sea,” the government accountability report says.
“Leveraging commercial launch services allows our Nation to affordably test components early and frequently, accelerating hypersonic development,” said George Rumford, Director of the DOD’s Test Resource Management Center.
Rocket Lab has several planned launches at Wallops Island in 2025 and one more indicated for 2024, with a date to be determined. For those in the Chesapeake region who hope to catch a launch, NASA recommends these spots for viewing.
