Space Force Outsourced: How True Anomaly and Rocket Lab Are Pioneering Orbital Reconnaissance

The New Era of Space Security

For decades, the ability to intercept and inspect a satellite in orbit was the exclusive domain of superpower governments. Now, that capability is migrating to the private sector. In a recent exercise dubbed Victus Haze, two space startups—True Anomaly and Rocket Lab—successfully executed a complex rendezvous and proximity operation (RPO) for the U.S. Space Force, marking a pivotal shift in how the Pentagon views orbital security.

The mission was designed to simulate a real-world scenario where the U.S. needs to quickly identify and inspect a potentially hostile or unknown object in space. With Russia and China increasingly deploying novel space-based capabilities, the Space Force is looking to bridge what True Anomaly CEO Even Rogers describes as “gaps in our collection capability.” Instead of relying on slow-moving, legacy government assets, the military is now leveraging a nimble network of commercial providers to achieve tactical space superiority.

Precision at 17,500 MPH

The technical execution of Victus Haze was a high-speed choreography of physics and software. Rocket Lab demonstrated an impressive level of responsiveness, launching the Puma spacecraft just 16 hours and 42 minutes after receiving the order. In the aerospace industry, where launches are typically scheduled months or years in advance, this “tactical launch” capability is a significant differentiator.

Once Puma reached orbit, the Jackal—a spacecraft developed by True Anomaly—took over. Operating without prior knowledge of Puma’s exact coordinates, the Jackal used its own onboard sensors to detect and identify the target from a distance of 2,000 kilometers. The two vehicles, both traveling at approximately 17,500 mph, managed to close the gap and maintain a close-proximity orbit, allowing the Jackal to capture detailed imagery of the Puma vehicle before returning to its original station.

While the exact distance achieved during the closest approach remains classified, the mission represents one of the most sophisticated private RPO demonstrations in modern history. Unlike orbital debris removal missions or satellite servicing, which operate on extended timelines, the Victus Haze exercise focused on speed, agility, and the ability to intercept a target on short notice.

The Commercialization of Space Warfare

This partnership is not merely a technical trial; it is a strategic play for a massive slice of the defense budget. True Anomaly is positioning itself as a primary contractor for the Space Force’s $6.2 billion Andromeda program, which seeks maneuverable reconnaissance capabilities from the private sector.

The company, founded in 2022 by Rogers and a team of military space veterans, has raised over $1 billion to date, including a substantial $650 million round in March. Their value proposition lies in a combination of hardware and specialized doctrine. As Seth Winterroth, a partner at Eclipse Ventures and True Anomaly board member, noted, the company’s “secret sauce” isn’t just a specific piece of software, but a deep understanding of the tactics and doctrine required for orbital engagement.

The stakes will only rise from here. The two companies are already planning subsequent exercises that will introduce “adversarial” elements. Future tests are expected to include evasion maneuvers, where the Puma spacecraft will attempt to dodge the Jackal, simulating a cat-and-mouse game in the vacuum of space. This evolution from simple rendezvous to active evasion suggests that the U.S. is preparing for a future where space is not just a domain for observation, but a contested environment requiring active defense.

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