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HASTE hypersonic testing manifest now comprises one-third of Rocket Lab's total launch backlog; structured as key element of national missile defense testing infrastructure
Peter Beck· Rocket Lab· Space· 2026-05-08· about Rocket Lab USA, Inc. / Kratos / U.S. Department of Defense (RKLB)
“HASTE now makes up almost one third of all of our launch backlog today. What is particularly significant about HASTE is that along with being the category leader for hypersonics test missions, HASTE's strength has helped us position in the center of America's defense architecture for the next big wave of spending.”
Why it matters
HASTE testing is central to Pentagon hypersonic and missile defense strategy. One-third of Rocket Lab's manifest is now dedicated to this mission class, indicating sustained, multi-year demand and stable revenue stream insulated from commercial market volatility.
Investment implication
Hypersonic vehicle developers (Kratos, Aerion, Northrop Grumman hypersonic programs) are captive customers for HASTE flights. Test range operators, data acquisition systems, and ground-based tracking vendors benefit from increased test cadence. International allies seeking hypersonic testing capability may create expansion opportunity beyond U.S. DOD.