Space Force Demonstrates Rapid-Launch Drills with 16-Hour Rocket Lab Mission
The U.S. Space Force, via its TacRS program, proved rapid-response space-launch capability by directing Rocket Lab to launch an unscheduled mission that placed a Pioneer spacecraft into orbit in 16 hours 42 minutes—fastest yet for a real payload—demonstrating how rockets can be scrambled like fighter jets to counter satellite threats, with three more TacRS missions planned from SpaceX and Firefly Alpha.