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Rocket Lab to Launch Pentagon's Hypersonic Test in February

2/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rocket Lab Corporation, a U.S. aerospace company, will launch the HASTE rocket for the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit, with Cassowary Vex as the test name.
Cassowary Vex is scheduled for late February and marks Rocket Lab's fourth hypersonic test in six months.
The program underscores competition from Russia and China and seeks to boost U.S. hypersonic capabilities and space superiority.

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Story summary

Rocket Lab Corporation, a U.S. aerospace company, will launch the HASTE rocket for the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit, with Cassowary Vex as the test name.
Cassowary Vex is scheduled for late February and marks Rocket Lab's fourth hypersonic test in six months.
The program underscores competition from Russia and China and seeks to boost U.S. hypersonic capabilities and space superiority.