US Space Force Conducts VICTUS DIEM Rapid Launch Test with Lockheed Martin and Firefly Aerospace

The US Space Force conducted the VICTUS DIEM exercise, testing rapid launch capabilities in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and Firefly Aerospace. The drill achieved payload processing in under 12 hours and a full launch simulation in 36 hours, demonstrating the intent to reduce deployment timelines during crises. Recent contracts, including a $21.8 million agreement with Firefly for the Victus Sol mission, support the shift towards rapid space capabilities.

Published Mar 29, 2026

The US Space Force tested rapid launch capabilities in the VICTUS DIEM exercise with Lockheed Martin and Firefly Aerospace. The exercise achieved payload processing in under 12 hours and a full launch simulation within 36 hours, focusing on compressed deployment timelines for responsive space missions.

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Recent contracts include a $21.8 million agreement with Firefly for the Victus Sol mission, ensuring standby launch capabilities. In 2024, the Space Force awarded over $60 million to Rocket Lab and True Anomaly for the Victus Haze mission, while expanding launch capacity by adding Rocket Lab and Stoke Space to its National Security Space Launch Phase 3 program in April 2025.