True Anomaly secures $30M contract for VICTUS HAZE space mission

True Anomaly secures $30M contract for VICTUS HAZE space mission
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 12, 2024

True Anomaly, Inc. has been awarded a $30M contract by the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command for the VICTUS HAZE Tactically Responsive Space mission. This funding is part of a broader $60M initiative, with True Anomaly providing an equal amount of private capital.

The contract is part of the Emergent Need Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award, facilitated by SSC's Space Safari Program Office and SpaceWERX. The VICTUS HAZE project aims to deploy commercial technology in creating effective solutions for future responsive space operations. It will feature a multi-vehicle demonstration to develop necessary tactics, techniques, and procedures, enhancing the readiness of the Space Force and U.S. Space Command against orbital threats.

True Anomaly and Rocket Lab, also selected for VICTUS HAZE, will construct space vehicles and control centers capable of rendezvous and proximity operations, targeting completion by Fall 2025. Following construction, the project will progress through several phases, including a "hot standby" for immediate launch readiness.

A key component will be the deployment of the Jackal autonomous orbital vehicle (AOV), ready for launch from strategic locations in Florida or California. In collaboration with SSC's Space Safari team and a commercial launch provider, True Anomaly aims to establish swift launch processes for national security responses.

True Anomaly CEO and Co-Founder Even Rogers commented on the partnership, stating, "True Anomaly is proud to partner with Space Systems Command to demonstrate Tactically Responsive Space capabilities in peacetime to ensure the U.S., its allies, and partners are prepared to respond in the event of a real or perceived on-orbit threat. The space domain is one of the most challenging environments in which to test and train, and we applaud the service and Congress for their dedication to the TacRS mission set, which is increasingly necessary for deterrence, space domain awareness, and dynamic space operations."

In addition to the VICTUS HAZE selection, True Anomaly was also awarded a $1.63M Direct to Phase II SBIR contract for the SpaceWERX TacRS Challenge. This effort will showcase rapid payload integration capabilities with the Jackal AOV. True Anomaly is also developing a high-acceleration, high delta-V propulsion system for multi-orbit capabilities with Agile Space Industries, further enhancing their operational readiness for national security missions.