$190M DoD HASTE contract; 20 hypersonic tests via Kratos
Key Questions
What details surround Rocket Lab's $190M DoD HASTE contract?
Signed March 18, 2026, with Kratos/MACH-TB/DIU for 4 years, it funds 20 hypersonic tests at ~$9.5M per flight. Includes 3 tests in 2025, 2026 block buy in March, and more for Golden Dome. Part of $1.3B defense backlog.
How many hypersonic tests are included in the HASTE contract?
The $190M contract covers 20 hypersonic tests over 4 years via Kratos. Schedule includes 3 in 2025 plus 2026 block buy and additional launches. Recent Wallops success (7th/82nd, 100% Q1) like Hypersonix DART supports execution.
What is Rocket Lab's total defense backlog including HASTE?
Defense backlog reaches $1.3B, with $515M SDA Transport, $816M Tranche 3 Tracking, and HASTE. Overall backlog exceeds $1.85B. KeyBanc and Citizens cite Space Systems, SDA, and HASTE as growth drivers.
What recent HASTE mission successes has Rocket Lab achieved?
Q1 Wallops missions mark 7th/82nd overall with 100% success, including Hypersonix DART. These support $816M SDA for >70 launches. OSI acquisition in Feb 2026 adds tailwinds to hypersonics.
How does the HASTE contract fit into broader hypersonics spending?
Zacks highlights Space Force FY26 $40B hypersonics budget. HASTE aligns with MACH-TB and DIU efforts for Golden Dome. Articles note RKLB's positioning for defense upside.
What analyst commentary supports the HASTE contract's impact?
KeyBanc lifts target citing Space Systems and Archimedes alongside HASTE/SDA. Coverage emphasizes $1.3B defense book and backlog path to growth. Stock rose on related awards.
What is the value per flight in the HASTE hypersonic tests?
Approximately $9.5M per flight across 20 tests in the $190M contract. Block buys planned for 2026 enhance efficiency. This supports Rocket Lab's rapid response capabilities.
How does HASTE contribute to Rocket Lab's 2026 outlook?
HASTE bolsters $1.85B+ backlog and defense revenue amid 38% 2025 growth. Articles project clear path via contracts like this. Space Force budget increases add momentum.
$190M Kratos/MACH-TB/DIU 4yrs (~$9.5M/flt, 20 tests/3 '25 + '26/Golden Dome) in $1.3B defense backlog ($515M SDA/$816M Tranche 3); Zacks/ex-c4219fc0 notes largest hypersonic block buy/100% Q1 success (Hypersonix DART); KeyBanc/Citizens cite Space Systems/HASTE/OSI; Space Force FY26 $40B hypersonics.