SpaceX has been considered one of the biggest competitors in the space industry for years, even helping launch many NASA missions. SpaceX even plans to heavily participate in NASA’s future space exploration missions to Mars and the moon, with Starship serving as the landing system for NASA’s Artemis mission. However, a new competitor in the industry may eventually compete with SpaceX, at least in terms of speed.
That contender is Rocket Lab, which plans to launch hypersonic test missions using its HASTE rocket, which it first launched in June 2023. The next test will be Rocket Lab’s fourth hypersonic test of the HASTE rocket. The Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron (HASTE) is a specially modified version of Rocket Lab’s small Lift Electron rocket. What makes this particular rocket different from Rocket Lab’s previous rockets is that it has been modified to work directly as part of a suborbital mission, as the company looks to test hypersonic capabilities in suborbital situations.
The rocket features an improved design and a stronger structure, which will help make it more durable during hypersonic testing. However, it’s its speed that makes this rocket a serious competitor to SpaceX, as it can fly at speeds of Mach 20 (more than 15,000 miles per hour), which is fast enough to enter Earth’s orbit. That’s the point. While HASTE is impressive, it can’t really compete with SpaceX’s Falcon rocket in terms of payload capacity. However, it’s not designed that way. Instead, HASTE is forging its own path by supporting small product launches.
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Compete from different angles
A rocket streaks across the sky as it launches into space – Richard Knight/Getty Images
While it’s easiest to think of competition as two companies going head-to-head in exactly the same way, that’s not always the case. Space is a big adventure, and while SpaceX does a great job executing its larger missions — the Falcon system (Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy) is capable of carrying up to 22 tons, depending on the vehicle used — there are many smaller launches that need help, too. This is where Rocket Lab and HASTE come into play.
Because although HASTE is only designed to carry a much smaller payload than the Falcon, it is designed to complete its mission quickly and efficiently. And, as Rocket Lab continues to improve its platform, these advantages may only become more apparent, especially since the company appears to have some agreements with the defense industry – HASTE’s next test will launch the defense system into suborbital testing.
When you start comparing the two, there’s also cost to consider. SpaceX is where it is today because it offers a very affordable way to launch large payloads into orbit, with launches reportedly costing less than $70 million and capable of carrying 22 tons. By comparison, Rocket Lab reportedly charges about $8.4 million per launch for rockets with a maximum weight of less than 1 ton (its Electron rocket is about 320 kilograms). Now, HASTE’s carrying capacity has improved, but it’s still nowhere near as good as the Falcon. That’s why Rocket Lab really needs to focus on those smaller missions if it wants to compete with SpaceX.
Smaller doesn’t mean less important
Wide view of rocket lifting off from launch pad, smoke billowing – BEST-BACKGROUNDS/Shutterstock
While SpaceX is starting to focus on big missions — like sending humans to Mars — Rocket Lab is also involved in some important missions. Although they are large for different reasons. Perhaps one of the most famous missions was NASA’s Capstone mission, which was designed to pave the way for the space agency to eventually build a space station around the moon. Rocket Lab is one of the partners behind the launch, and Capstone completed its mission in 2023, gathering vital information for NASA’s Lunar Gateway program.
But this is where Rocket Lab really has a chance to shine, especially as it continues to improve HASTE and its other rocket products. The company is also developing reusable rockets, which will help it further close the gap with SpaceX. Rocket Lab attempted to capture a returning rocket with a helicopter a few years ago, and while the process ultimately failed, it still provided the company with some useful information.
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