A Rocket Lab HASTE rocket lifts off at night from NASA's Wallops Island, with bright orange and white flames illuminating billowing clouds of smoke against a black sky. Launch structure towers are visible on either side of the rocket.A Rocket Lab HASTE rocket launches into the night sky from Launch Complex 2 at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on Feb. 27, 2026NASA/Danielle Johnson NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility supported a Rocket Lab HASTE suborbital launch from the company’s Launch Complex 2 in Virginia on Feb. 27, 2026. The mission, called Cassowary Vex, supported a flight of a hypersonic test platform for the Department of War’s Defense Innovation Unit. 

The NASA Wallops launch range supported by providing services such as tracking, telemetry, and range safety to ensure a safe and successful mission. NASA Wallops plays a key role in enabling national security missions at its launch range for commercial partners and other government agencies. 

Image Credit: NASA/ Danielle Johnson

A long exposure photograph of a HASTE launch, which is a white streak against a black sky with a blurry white circular that is the Moon in the left corner.A February 27, 2026 nighttime launch of a Rocket Lab HASTE rocket from NASA’s Wallops Island.NASA/Danielle Johnson

Share Details Last Updated Mar 05, 2026 Related TermsGoddard Space Flight CenterWallops Flight Facility
NASA Wallops Supports First Rocket Lab HASTE Launch of 2026