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Rocket Lab Launches Space Force Puma, Fast Checkout Triggers Follow-Ons

6/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rocket Lab launched the Victus Haze Puma satellite for the U.S. Space Force on June 19 2026.
The launch used $32 million for Puma and $30 million for True Anomaly’s Jackal, which met its 72-hour rendezvous deadline after a May 3 SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare.
Rocket Lab finished checkout in 37 hours 36 minutes, enabling maneuvers 34 hours early and prompting the Space Force to schedule three follow-on TacRS missions—Victus Surgo, Victus Salo and Victus Sol—under a $22 million Firefly contract for Victus Sol.

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Story summary

Rocket Lab launched the Victus Haze Puma satellite for the U.S. Space Force on June 19 2026.
The launch used $32 million for Puma and $30 million for True Anomaly’s Jackal, which met its 72-hour rendezvous deadline after a May 3 SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare.
Rocket Lab finished checkout in 37 hours 36 minutes, enabling maneuvers 34 hours early and prompting the Space Force to schedule three follow-on TacRS missions—Victus Surgo, Victus Salo and Victus Sol—under a $22 million Firefly contract for Victus Sol.