Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ: RKLB) announced mission success for its role in the U.S. Space Force's VICTUS HAZE program, completing all required phases of a satellite rendezvous and proximity operations mission ahead of the deadlines set by the Space Force.

The mission required Rocket Lab to design, build, and test a Pioneer spacecraft, launch it on an Electron rocket within 24 hours of receiving notice, commission the spacecraft within 72 hours, and then conduct rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) within 84 hours to pursue, monitor, approach, and photograph a target satellite in orbit.

According to the company, Rocket Lab launched the VICTUS HAZE mission on June 19 just 16 hours and 42 minutes after receiving the Notice To Launch from the Space Force, which the company describes as the fastest response time recorded for a Tactically Responsive Space mission. Spacecraft commissioning was completed within 38 hours, more than 30 hours ahead of the 72-hour deadline. RPO operations were completed in under 59 hours, 25 hours ahead of the 84-hour deadline.

Rocket Lab served as a single prime contractor for the mission, providing the launch vehicle, spacecraft, and on-orbit operations — the first time one contractor has filled all three roles for the Tactically Responsive Space program, according to the press release.

The mission was deployed by the Space Force's Space Systems Command, led by the Space Safari Program Office, in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit.

Rocket Lab CEO Sir Peter Beck said: "Delivering a fully integrated and complete mission capability when the clock is ticking is a proud moment for the Rocket Lab team in a long history of delivering mission success for the United States and its allies."

With the primary RPO demonstration complete, Rocket Lab said it will continue operating the Pioneer spacecraft on orbit for several more months to demonstrate additional RPO tactics and procedures as directed by Space Safari.