EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — As on-orbit threats proliferate, the United States Space Force is working with the private sector to secure cutting-edge systems capable of deterring or countering adversaries’ aggressive or irresponsible actions in space.

The VICTUS HAZE program, launched in 2024, has engaged two space companies, True Anomaly and Rocket Lab USA, to provide the Space Force with tactically responsive space (TacRS) mission capabilities.

This success story, which was first published in the AFWERX and SpaceWERX FY 2024 Annual Report, has been updated since its initial release.

In April, Space Systems Command’s Space Safari Program Office, with funding from SpaceWERX and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), awarded contracts to the two companies.

Under the Emergent Need Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award, made by SSC’s Space Safari Program Office in partnership with SpaceWERX, the Space Force funded $30 million of the total $60 million effort. True Anomaly will leverage the remaining $30 million of private capital.

The second participating company, Rocket Lab, based in Long Beach, California, received $32 million in funding from DIU. The comceWERX and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), awarded contracts to the two companies.

Under the Emergent Need Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award, made by SSC’s Space Safari Program Office in partnership with SpaceWERX, the Space Force funded $30 million of the total $60 million effort. True Anomaly will leverage the remaining $30 million of private capital.

The second participating company, Rocket Lab, based in Long Beach, California, received $32 million in funding from DIU. The companies were each slated to demonstrate their ability to build rendezvous and proximity operation (RPO)-capable space vehicles and command and control centers, with a delivery target of fall 2025.

Once the build phase is complete, the mission will enter several successive phases, including “hot standby”—awaiting a rapid manifest and launch request.

The TacRS systems developed by these companies will position the Space Force to provide future capabilities to Combatant Commands, equipping them to conduct rapid operations in response to adversary on-orbit aggression.

The demonstration will also enable development of TacRS tactics, techniques and procedures when responding to adversary aggression on orbit.

Space Safari partnered with SpaceWERX for assistance in the technical and commercial evaluation of True Anomaly and the push for an emergent SBIR selection by Space Force leadership. Space Safari is leading the contract administration, providing programmatic oversight and will execute the mission using capabilities provided by True Anomaly.

The VICTUS HAZE program underscores the DAF’s commitment to leveraging private-sector innovation to address critical space challenges. By fostering collaboration among government organizations, industry and startups, the initiative supports the Space Force’s ability to maintain freedom of action in space.

True Anomaly began working with SpaceWERX in 2023 through the SpaceWERX TacRS Challenge, a program focused on gaining new technologies that will enable the Space Force to more rapidly and flexibly respond to emerging on-orbit threats by 2026.

*Disclaimer: References to non-federal entities do not constitute or imply Department of War or Air Force endorsement of any company or organization.