Victus haze is a technology demonstration satellite for the US Space Force’s tactically responsive launch program (TacRS, formerly TacRL), which is intended to conduct rendezvous proximity operations. The mission is also called TacRS-4.
In April 2024 contracts for construction and launch were awarded to Rocket Lab.
Once the spacecraft build is complete, Rocket Lab will be entered into a Hot Standby Phase awaiting further direction. Once the exercise begins, Rocket Lab will be given notice to launch the spacecraft into a target orbit. After reaching orbit, the spacecraft will be rapidly commissioned and readied for operations. Rocket Lab will configure a Pioneer class spacecraft bus to meet the unique requirements of the VICTUS HAZE mission and launch the spacecraft on Electron from either Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, NZ or Launch Complex 2 in Wallops, VA. Once on orbit, the spacecraft will conduct a variety of dynamic space operations to demonstrate SDA characterization capabilities with True Anomaly’s spacecraft, the Jackal autonomous orbital vehicle.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Technology |
| Operator: | US Space Force (USSF) Space Safari Program Office |
| Contractors: | Rocket Lab |
| Equipment: | |
| Configuration: | Pioneer bus |
| Propulsion: | ? |
| Power: | Solar cells, batteries |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | |
| Orbit: |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victus Haze (TacRS 4) | - | 2025 | WI LA-0C or OnS LC-1 | Electron KS |
